"Mom, did you know that you can get "How to Train Your Dragon" for Xbox? But I don't really want an Xbox"
This came from the dragon today. I'm not sure if he is hinting, using reverse psychology, or just making conversation. But it does get me back to the dilemma of managing kids and technology.
The world is becoming more and more gadget geared and kids have to know how to use them to keep up with developments and succeed. But they also need to climb trees and ride bicycles and graze their knees. Where is the line telling us that our kids need less time with the latest gadgets?
I have seen alarming evidence of damage caused by excessive gaming. I had to make allowances for sixteen year old kids whose hands were so damaged from gaming that they couldn't write even a page without being in pain. I've read tje reports on the effects on posture, eyes, fine and gross motor development. I see the evidence of poor social skills rearing its head far too often.
Yet an outright ban may expose my kids to being bullied for not having these things.
So how do we manage this issue? So far the dragon his happy playing games at friends' house. He has taken on board my worries about long term injuries and he loves playing outside or doing arts and crafts. And so I hold my breath when he tells me about the latest Xbox game, and breathe a sigh of relief when he says he doesn't want it, for I know the day where he does ask for the latest device is coming......
No comments:
Post a Comment