Research and Technology

I am hearing it more and more… “They are on their phones all the time.”

Though I am a big supporter of technology and the benefits it provides to us, individually and in society, it is important, once again, to keep it in moderation.

Technology is a great tool when you need it. For children, it is a great tool that allows them to read books, play games that teach, and even a place to play. And a great way to stay in touch.

My children are growing up in a different time than I did. I brought technology into my home and I heard over the years that I allowed my children to watch too much TV or play on the “home” computer too much. I have watched and learned, I have taught my kids to moderate themselves and their “tech” time. Limiting what we do excessively is a positive life lesson. Too much sleep is unhealthy. Too much sugar is unhealthy. Too much is too much. It is important to teach them to look at their technology items as tools to better their life, not steal their time or attention.  

“First it was radio. Then it was television. Now doomsayers are offering scary predictions about the consequences of smartphones and all the other digital devices to which we’ve all grown so attached. So why should you pay any attention to the warnings this time?” http://time.com/3855911/phone-addiction-digital-distraction/

This is a great article! Technology is different than TV and Radio, you can now carry TV, Radio and many other avenues of distractions with you in your pocket. It isn’t time to do away with it, it is time to learn how to use it to our advantage!

Provide opportunities for children to use tech in their lives, provide nature, outside play, and conversations. Use other tools, such as in the kitchen to create meals together; tools to build a bird house or fix a bicycle tire. Use technology to get instructions and learn how to do things.  

Spend quality time with your child. Talk with them. They need to hear our voice, which in TIME, they will replace with their own.