Technology has taken a big leap from what it used to be when
we were kids. Smart phones, interactive TV, laptops, video games are
commodities now.
Gone were the days when we used to wait for a week to watch an
episode of our favorite serial. Now it is daily dose, two spoons after
breakfast, two after lunch and two before dinner. And not just this, imagine
even TVs are smart nowadays. One has a bouquet of options to choose from
movies, games, quizzes, watch a new story/art-n-craft daily & what not…
It is funny, we used to say don’t worry I am just a call away.
Now we say, just a tap away…Thanks to the smart phones. They are basically
operating systems on wheels which can easily fit in our pockets.
But then it has
brought the over ease of use for kids too. You need not even explain them
on how to use it. They themselves find ways to play a game by endless tapping
and sliding. They even call easily and without our knowledge too. My 3yrs old
as such cannot read the words. But he recognizes the pattern of letters for
names of his grannies and dad and calls at his convenience. For other features
of phone to use, icons are his friends. If he is stuck, then there is home
sweet home….Yeah the new HOME, home button.
All these things come with a big dilemma for us poor souls.
It is a definite help in learning and growing (and to engage and engross them
in case we are busy elsewhere), but yet it is replacing the outdoor activities.
And at times, you wonder, if these things are turning into an
addiction, whenever they meet a new phone (through a guest), they get so much
lost into that and do not pay attention.
Out of our love and being tech-savvy, we install
kid-oriented phonics or number games on our cell. Or show them their favorite
poem on youtube on laptop/cell. And now they know the source of fun. And many
times, in middle of some imp work, they cling on us to open the laptop just to
show (or rather just start) the poem (they can change it then, as you have to
just click), or hand over our phone to them.
We as parents try our level best to focus more on outdoor
games and evening outings. And mostly limit the TV/cell usage only when
everything is taken care of – homework/rest/food/evening catch up with other
kids. But then comes the weekend where they get liberty of use for their favorite
TV show and papa’s phone.
Gadgets are bliss for
mankind but is it limiting us to reach out to people in person? They have loads
of information in single store but is it stopping us from seeking the information
from other sources? Cameras were meant to capture and treasure but is it
getting more used for Facebook likes? We are more dependent on docs/calc/memos
than our memory.
These questions toggle-n-topple in
my mind while I’m using my laptop (read Gadget) to post this.
In the end, it is all about
balance. It always is.
Your thoughts? I’m
all ears…
Originally posted by Parentous
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