Writers they say are able to write when they are inspired. I found myself inspired not only because I officially started my summer break but also with the responses I got from the blog entry I posted yesterday.
I wanted to ask this question, what is your stand on the kids' use of the iPads (and all gadgets) at home?
I am asking as a parent.
I find myself a bit torn.
As an educator, I was able to attend a lot of seminars and conferences that have dealt with the (over)exposure of kids to technology. I remember attending one back in Manila that even stated that kids younger than 2 years old should not be exposed to TV or it will have an effect on their development, mostly of which are negative. If cannot be avoided, the maximum time allotted for them is max 1 hour per day. I made a mental note on that.
Fast forward, I have two very young kids now and I was not able to practice that "no TV rule until the age of 2" for the simple reason that I have found the TV as my only "help" at home when hubby is at work. In that span of almost six years I came across a LOT of articles and studies that again remind parents about the negative effects of allowing the kids to use technology at such an early age.
There were a LOT of negative effects mentioned in these articles but the one that stood out because I was slowly seeing it with my kids was this: if exposed to these gadgets, the kids will not be able to learn how to delay their gratification.
When not in school or sometimes when he gets home, Kuya asks me this: "What can I do Mum?" I already know where that is headed. Everytime he says "I'm bored" or asks that question he is in a way asking if he can use the iPad. When I tell him that he can't use it, that is when he goes crazy and cranky!
Sam on the other hand has the tendency not to follow us or totally ignore us when she's glued to the iPad or tablet. She gets into trouble with us because of these gadgets!
The said events and the video I saw on FB about how technology has become a part of everything and everyone and everyday living are the BIG movers on why I felt I needed to slowly change things at home especially when it came to the use of technology.
I am actually getting alarmed.
Old school.
Perhaps.
But I was telling Liam, when I was a kid, I didn't have gadgets or game and watch, or the likes. The nothingness allowed me to develop my creativity. I didn't have the newest toys in the market but I became creative and innovative in creating my own toys or to simply enjoy being a kid -- enjoy playing with friends or read books. I think the gadgets are hindering the creativity among my kids. Parang wala na, hihinto na buhay nila kapag walang gadget na hawak.
BUT, their environment and the society has changed already. Their generation is different from my generation. At the back of my mind I am worried that if I limit or hinder their exposure to technology, they might end up na mapagiwanan. Let's face it, with their generation, technology is a way of life. Wala ng hindi ginagamitan ng technology. So me hindering them from using and exploring it might also hinder their chances of making them fully equipped and knowledgeable of what is "needed" for their future.
Hay.
What about you?
What is your stand on this?