Parenting : How Gadget Play in Children Starts to become an Issue
Someone once shared with me this thought:
Playing, holding and placing actual 3D puzzle pieces stimulates a child cognitively and mentally, which unfortunately CANNOT be done through playing puzzles across the flat screen of a gadget.
And you know what?
I agree.
Totally.
Handing over a gadget like an iPad to a child would just be, convenient.
The child is kept occupied for minutes and even hours.
And we parents are ‘left in peace’ to do whatever other things that need to be done.
(and we all know, our ‘to do list’ is endless!)
Again, as I shared in my previous posts on this topic, I personally don’t think it’s ‘wrong’ when a child is allowed to play with gadgets (though Wilson and I personally choose to NOT yet introduce our 2yo Brie to any electronic games, however educational they claim to be).
…
When it comes to young children and gadget play, I think it starts to become a worrying issue when parents:
> assume that exposing little children to gadgets is BETTER than exposing them to ‘real playtime’ with ‘real things’ with ‘real people’, because the apps are ‘educational’ anyway
> assume that ‘engaged children’ means they’re learning good stuff
> simply wish to not be ‘hassled’ by little children, and the fastest way to get them to “leave us alone” is to hand over the gadget to them
…
Having to deal with little children – and all the bittersweet moments – day in and day out is part and parcel of being parents I admit, toddlers can be noisy and whiny.
They can be demanding, and they can cry (and scream) at times when you wish everything is quiet and settled.
But I guess with this post, I’d like to remind myself – and hopefully other parents too – that :
> we are the ones who’ve been blessed with children, aren’t we? Having to deal with little children – and all the bittersweet moments – day in and day out is part and parcel of being parents
> today’s technology may not always be beneficial to us, especially to little children. They need our time and real people around them more, not flat screens.
…
May God give us the strength and wisdom to be better parents everyday.
Have a blessed week, everyone.
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I agree with the facts that kids deserve more fun than playing with the tech gadgets. But considering how much parents are involved with these devices most of the times, kids want to do the same thing they see.
Also we can not hide smartphones, iPad or a Gaming Console from a kid all the time right?
That’s why I’ve written a smart parenting guide with simple 5 tips, anyone can use if their kids are spending considerable time with the gadgets. (The link in the following signature.)
Please do share your views on the same.
Amol Wagh recently posted..5 Smart Parenting Tips If Your Kids Love Using ‘Smart’ Phones!
Leonny, I totally agree “today’s technology may not always be beneficial to us, especially to little children. They need our time and real people around them more, not flat screens.” In fact parents should learn, educate and monitor firsthand gadget usage. My snuggle angel is 6 and I really focus on not letting her be dependent on this. It’s just a resource of knowledge that can read story podcast. I limit the use and make sure I spend more time with her.
Hello … Thanks for sharing your thoughts on my blog.
Can’t believe I missed out on replying to your commment.
Hope your little Angel is doing well too.
Take care! =)
Sigh. Have to say I give in more than I should for my own sanity. It’s been too convenient and in a way less expensive since i don’t have to buy real puzzle pieces….this is a good reminder to be more of an ipad “police-mom”. THX!
Thanks for sharing too, Daisy! =D
Great message 🙂 I totally agree with you! It is definitely easier to keep the children away and occupied them with a gadget then I can focus to complete my never ending to-do list. Personally, I do not wish to see my children being “glue” to a flat screen gadget at all time; and therefore refused to buy a tablet. To avoid the temptation altogether.
Christina recently posted..Horse Riding
Thanks for sharing, Christina!
I agree, it IS tempting, and to us, definitely it’s not to be bought as a ‘toy’ for kids to have.