As a mother, one of the biggest challenges you can face is dealing with technology. Just about any child in the modern world wants tech, gadgets, and tools. They want to show them off to friends, and they want to enjoy taking part in the latest trends. However, when trying to juggle things like your budget, it can be hard to justify the cost of such a project. Unsure what to do? Then consider the following potential solutions.
Ask for clear explanations on why
The first thing to do is sit your child down and ask them to explain why they want such a product. If they simply want it because it’s cool or trendy, or to impress someone, talk them out of the desire. If they want it for tracking things like athletic activity, study times etc. then it might be a more justified investment.
Even then, though, find out why they cannot use an available alternative.
Read reviews on quality watches
You should probably also take the time to look into watches that you could potentially buy for a good price. For example, platforms like Superwatches make it easy to find good quality smartwatches at more affordable prices. Taking the time to look into this could be good for your child, as they will get a good quality product.
Do not buy the watch they ask for without properly reviewing it for better, more affordable smartwatch alternatives.
Make a deal with your child
If your child is closer to teenage years than adolescence, then make an agreement with them. You will buy them the watch, but they need to do something for you. It could be things like more household chores, taking the dog for a walk, helping a sibling with homework, or achieving a certain grade within a key class.
Find a way to incentivise them and make the purchase feel like it was earned.
Get a second opinion
You no doubt know some of the parents of your children’s friends. Well, ask them what they think about smartwatches; did they buy one for their kid? Did they find it was a worthwhile purchase, or did it become the latest three-figure-cost-dust-gatherer?
Find out what the verdict has been, and whether or not their child has benefited. For children with more athletic pursuits or who are keen to study, smartwatches make sense. For those who just love gadgets, though, they could find themselves more or less blanked entirely.
If you do buy a watch, buy a respected brand
If you do eventually give in and buy your child a smartwatch, then be sure to buy them a good quality name. You have no doubt heard the old adage of buy cheap, buy twice. Well, with a watch, this is very much the case. You might pay more for a kids Apple watch than you would a brand you have never heard of.
In some cases, especially in technology, the extra cost is worthwhile.
Stick to the above formula, and you should find it a whole lot easier to pick out a smartwatch that you – and your child – can be truly happy with.
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