Pic credit: rawforbeauty.com/blog
I've never been a fan of children who constantly have their face stuck on to techno-gadget. I don't find it amusing that a child of less than a year old can expertly manoeuvre applications on the iPad.
Having said that, my kid is almost two and she definitely knows her way around iPad world, something I'm not very proud of. But as a single mom (most of the time), I find myself succumbing to gadget bribing (tv, iPad, iPhone, etc) to keep her busy for an hour or so almost everyday so that I can get things done, like cooking, washing the dishes, or have five minutes of peaceful driving. But to ease my guilt, I make sure she gets a few hours outdoors, whether it's to the park, the mall or the zoo, at least she gets some form of human interaction.
If you have time to spare, here's a great article from the New York Times about the Waldorf School of the Peninsula, a school that houses kids from the directors of big multi-national technology companies such as Ebay, Google, Hewlett-Packard, etc. The ironic thing about Waldorf schools? Its "chief teaching tools are anything but high-tech: pens and paper, knitting needles and, occasionally, mud. Not a computer to be found. No screens at all. They are not allowed in the classroom, and the schools even frowns on their use at home."
I'd love for my kids to grow up without having to depend on technology. I want them to play in the sandbox, get their hands sticky with water colours, and explore nature with millipedes around their wrists. Little Miss Bébé currently attends Premontes Playgroup at Perth Montessori, which is quite good as a learn through play education ground, but I'm contemplating trying out the Waldorf School as well, to see which one suits her learning style better.
What's your take on technology and kid's social development nowadays?
The world is moving faster than we can chase it & technology is definitely part of our kids growing up life, can't stop it, but I'm trying my best to limit it.The gadgets are for them to be aware of its existence, but I try not to use it to baby sit. Of course easier said than done, many a times I cave in & whip out the iPad just to keep them quiet! But at least I'm well aware to strictly limit it.Like u say, the simplest form of education - bring books, color pencils, what ever that can engage their lil minds (but b ready to bring a bigger activity bag!).lol
ReplyDeleteI totally get what you mean! I'm really trying to limit her time with gadgets but finding it really hard to not succumb to temptation of having that 5 minutes of 'me' time. haha
ReplyDeletehave you tried doing some of these for Princess?
ReplyDeleteKiddo busy bags! they can entertain kids for quite a while and you are such a creative mama you can do heaps heaps lovely stuffs for Princess. Just don't forget to post some here for us to see! :)
http://matterns.blogspot.com/2013/06/diy-toddler-busy-bags.html
That's a very good idea you gave me Joyce! I'm gonna head to the craft store this weekend to get started on my bag. =D
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