Supervision

Children need supervision from their parents from infancy through adolescence.  In the early years it comes naturally and is required due to the child’s dependency upon the parents.  In later years, a parent’s degree of supervision will depend upon both the child’s maturity level and the parent’s preferences.  Over-involvement and tight supervision of the older child can be smothering, whereas neglect of proper oversight by a parent can result in waywardness and rebellion.

Supervision comes in many forms.  It is the selecting, directing, and overseeing of a child’s activities.  It’s primary goal is to teach and train the child to act responsibly and wise.  Supervision may require using the discipline process (affirmation and correction) to persuade the child to choose the right path.

Listed below are areas of supervision that every parent should consider for the child:

• Screen Time Electronics and the Child: With the surge in popularity and usage of electronic devices among children and teens has come the need for parents to become familiar with these devices and to monitor their influences upon the child.  Screen time can have profound effects upon the child.
• Childcare or Stay at Home
• Sleep for the School-aged Child and Adolescent
• Inattention at School: Inattention is a growing problem among students.  There are many measures parents can take to help their children be more attentive in school.  These measures should always be implemented before considering medication to treat the problem.
• Chores
• Allowance