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I like to think of myself as a little bit of an electronic gadget nerd, and by nerd I mean someone who is up to date with the latest and coolest gizmos. I am not one to be reading and waiting for the latest reviews, updates or editions to all things electronic, but I do however enjoy new electronic toys.
I am not however one to line up outside the Apple store for twenty-four hours waiting for the newest iPhone, or read the electronic magazines and Enews. But I am into the tech startup world and mostly, the newest and coolest iPhone applications. Reading news of the latest technology applications to emerge that can ‘change my life’ or ‘cut my costs’ or ‘save time’ is always appealing to me. I mean lets be honest, who wouldn’t like an application that allows you to take a photo of an add, open the app and then be able to purchase then and there from your phone {this kind of application is soon to emerge}. It all sounds so fast pace moving allowing us to put time elsewhere and save time on simple everyday life essentials.
Lately, I have discovered Reading Eggs for my five-year-old who has a strong interest in reading and writing. Ok, yes, I admit, this has been around for a little while, but only now have I discovered it. I am definitely one of those parents that restrict ‘screen time’ and limit the use of tv. I have a very big aversion to kids constantly watching tv and families constantly having the tv on {grasp}. It is probably the old family therapist in me that has seen firsthand the negative impacts of limited family interaction and limited ‘play’ amongst families.
But, I am also one that believes that kids need to be exposed to electronics and technology early on. Let’s be honest, being in the tech industry is now a game changer of a career. The demand is high and the supply is low when it comes to good IT experts and technology savvy people. Teaching kids to work and operate computers {even code, ha!} early on in their life is a positive thing, in my opinion.
These days, there are so many electronic games and video game consoles on the market that it is hard to sometimes know what is ‘educational’ and what is play for young kids. Anything that has too many sounds and lights often sends me a little loopy {ha!}. But consoles like Leapfrog are extraordinary for teaching kids early on about letters, reading and writing. I can’t fault them really. Similarly, games that encourage children to use their problem-solving skills, imagination or creativity to solve puzzles are also often winners.
But like anything, there need to be boundaries. As adults, we experience headaches, sore eyes and aching necks if we stare at the computer or play on our device for too long. Kids are no difference. And as parents, we need to teach them the positives, and negatives, of all things electronic.
We, whether we like it or not, live in a very electronic focused world. And it is not going to change {soon there will be driverless cars, no joke!}. We are blessed to have so many amazing options to teach and inspire our kids about this electronic world, that we need to use wisely and effectively.
And my other little tip, embrace technology. Don’t be scared.
What are your views on kids and technology?
