Our kids are plugged in, INSANELY plugged in. Matthew is a tech-geek and from the moment
our children joined us he has strived to maximize and optimize technology in
our lives. We each have a smart phone
and tablet, there’s a computer lab in the basement, a projector/big
screen/surround sound combo, an Xbox Kinect, Netflix, Hulu, and PSP’s. Did I mention the E-Readers? We are those
parents. The ones you hate because your children want to come hang at our place
when you won’t let them play video games. Sorry…For me to suggest we lessen
technology in our home would cause a mutiny, led by my husband. I can’t have that.
Headlines declare, “Children need less technology, more
human interaction,” and popular parenting sites demonize technology as a Pied
Piper leading us down the path of disconnection from one another. I am not a social psychologist, but I wonder
if we are asking the right questions? Instead of analyzing how to limit
technological exposure and increase social interaction in our children’s lives,
what if we explored how we can leverage technology to increase social
interaction in our children’s lives?
What if we used technology as a catalyst for authentic connectedness? Meaningful conversation and discussion about
issues that matter could happen with
rather than in spite of technology? It is this experimentation that I am focusing
on in our home, because technology is here to stay. Short of some sort of zombie apocalypse
(which I have not ruled out) technology is part of our lives, and my children
will need to know how to navigate its waters safely.
Matthew and I both subscribe to news readers on our
phones and most nights scroll through headlines covering everything from robots
and science news to war and gender issues. We began texting the links to articles we thought our kids might find
interesting. The other day I came across
an article addressing body image, and sent it to Audrey. She has since had several conversations, not
only with me but with her Dad too. We discussed
how we are taught what is “beautiful” and “acceptable” as women and delighting
in ourselves and embracing our beauty. Matthew mentioned the media’s objectification of women’s bodies, and how
men have to question the messages they receive as well. This happened at the dinner table, and technology
began it.
The possibilities are endless; it’s not just about
sharing news articles. One night Audrey
was struggling with some bad memories while trying to sleep. She shared that her mind was racing and asked
me to come meditate with her. I have
never really meditated with someone else before, so I was at a loss. However I climbed into her bed, and using my
smart phone we listened to a guided calming meditation together.
Izzy and I have used a geo-caching app to look for nearby
geo-caches together on walks. We raid
dungeons together on World of Warcraft as a family. There are hundreds of links online, like
these that make road trips more fun. Check this one out HERE!
I admit, technology can create disconnectedness, but
rather than write off the cyber world as my children’s domain, I will join them
there.
No comments:
Post a Comment