I like to think that I'm up with the times. (How's that for an opening old person saying?!)
At 38, I do think I'm still pretty young. Relatively speaking, of course. However, with all of the new gadgets (another OPS) and computers and phones coming out at lightning speed, I will admit that I am ignorant when it comes to matters of technology.
I am a firm believer that my 3 and 5 year olds don't need anything more than the barbie and princess "computers" they have (totally learning oriented). When my nieces and nephew got into the new technology, I was a little taken aback.
This was actually said by me a couple of years ago:
"I can't believe that a 5 year old needs and I-pod! That's ridiculous! I don't see any reason.....what?.....it's an I-PHONE???? Oh Good Lord....."
My mother in law has offered to buy my 5 year old an I-phone for Christmas for "educational purposes". Right. As I try to bring my blood pressure down, and try to be appreciative for the gesture, I can't help but think "what the hell is this world coming to??".
I feel guilty when my kids watch too much tv. There's no way I'd stick them in front of an I-phone. Not now, anyway.
I have a feeling I'm going to be "that parent". You know, the one who is last at getting their kids into what's hot and happening (OPS).
The other day at playschool, my son's EI worker asked if he used the computer, and if so, she would bring in her laptop to give him some "activites" to do. Really????? He's 3. In my mind, 'nuff said.
The only interaction with our computers that our kids have is when we show them a video of something they would enjoy, usually from Youtube. That's it.
Am I doing my kids a disservice by not introducing them to the newest technology out there? Maybe, maybe not. I see kids with cell phones at the age of 7. That isn't going to happen in my house.
But, then again, I've been known to eat my words now and then.
Never say never. Perhaps getting my kids into technnology will actually give me a clue. You know, about I-pods and such.
Thoughts From The Wells
2 comments:
Interesting post!
I have mixed feelings about this. I was originally like you. But now I do let my kids play on a leapster or a laptop, occasionally. There are some great educational sites like starfall.com. And now my girls work on computers at school. My oldest is learning how to type.
But! I don't want computers and gadgets to be the center of their lives. I think learning and playing the old fashioned way is usually best.
And I won't be buying my 7-yr-old a phone (even though she's been begging for one) for many many years. Though I guess I should never say never too. :)
Horrah for you! Young children learn by sensory integration - touching, feeling, exploring, discovering their world - using their five senses. Can a TV, iPad, Smart phone talk back to a child and answer their great questions? Is a child learning how to express themselves using a computer? No. I think a limited amount of technology can enhance learning but it needs to be balanced and age appropriate. Take your child outside and play - let them enjoy being a child.
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