Empowering Parents, Educators, and Mentors in the Age of Media and Social Networks
Gila Zilka, Bar-Ilan University; Achva Academic College Bar-Ilan University, Lecturer and researcher, the Director of the Department for Teaching Social Studies, Citizenship, Sociology and Communication. Achva Academic College, Head of the program for training tutors (Israel)
Abstract
Children nowadays are exposed to a wide variety of information sources and channels, and this exposure makes them scatter-brained and generates great confusion, focus and concentration difficulties, attention and adjustment problems, and a blurring of boundaries and values. The abundance of information sources and channels forces us, more than ever, to be attentive to children, help them, and support them. What are the “keys” to openness, development, goal achievement, and transformation in our work with these “screen kids”? How can we empower them and their coping abilities? How can we create openness and cooperation that would make them listen to us? How can we support them to cope with the complex reality that characterizes our age? How can we use our knowledge and authority so that they do not weaken our children, and instead empower and strengthen them?
The Elements Way, an innovative method for working with children in our age, will help us help children, teach them to deal successfully with the new reality, and empower them and empower ourselves as meaningful parents, educators, and adults. Positive communication, acceptance, and connecting to one’s powers and free will are the tools we possess for educating our children. When we say “educate a child” we really mean “mentor the child,” help children develop their own powers and face difficulties, while relating to their free will and finding the balance that is appropriate for them. The main goal is to empower parents, educators, and mentor, thus empowering their encounter with the children, so that they can support the children, and be there for them whatever they face.