As I write this blog, I realize what a hypocrite I am. Like many others, technology is dominating my life! I'm constantly on my phone, email, candy crush saga, etc. When I'm at home with my family, I've always got my phone near by, or computer, or tablet. For that matter, so does everyone else in my house. We rarely have conversations anymore that don't include some type of electronic devise present.
All that being said, I'm currently preparing a seminar about raising well-rounded children in the technology filled world. I've always understood that limitations needed to take place, but as I've researched this topic, I'm becoming more and more concerned.
Technology absolutely has it's place, but what we are doing to our children by letting them have unlimited access to electronics from birth on is causing so many problems. I'd like to be able to say that "my kiddo" is fine with all the electronics. It hasn't impacted him negatively. But ALL parents should understand that ALL children are negatively impacted. Just because it has become the norm in our society does not mean that it is what's best.
Attention: YES...All children can focus on a video game for hours and hours, but why can't they focus on their homework or playing with a toy for more than 2 minutes? Video games are designed to create huge spurts of dopamine in the brain. As the child's pleasure system becomes overused, the try harder and harder to get that "spurt" again. This phenomenon is being compared to drug addictions.
Now...we want our children to play with a toy, interact with friends, read a book, etc., but the child doesn't get the dopamine rush from that. This causes them to lose focus in order to search for the "rush" they are seeking.
I read the book, Growing Up Social by Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane. This is a great resource for families that are looking for ways to make changes. If our kids are struggling...WE, as parents, have to make the change.
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