Technology is everywhere.. Parents have a difficult decisions to make: Should I buy a tablet for my child? Maybe computer games will keep my children occupied?
Parents decisions are influenced by many factors like child targeted TV advertising. But is it all? Other parents and children influence them too. Some parents that invest in technology believe that it is good for children, keep them occupied, children will learn early how to use it. Do children at age 4-5 years old or younger really need technology?
I see children playing outside, everyday finding new things to play with, coming up with the ideas for new games to play, building houses using things they find in the house and having fun creating things. I believe that technology does not teach creativity and use of imagination. Playing does and small children should be encouraged to play, run around and make up their own games. There will be time for technology and I am sure that parents will learn a lot from their children about technology but please let your children to be children! They will need their imagination and creativity when they grow up and they should be allowed to develop it now in order to use it later. What do you as parents think about technology for young children?
I think moderation is key, now three laptops in one home? Wow. I think too many kids are online and not outside playing or sitting somewhere reading an actual book.
ReplyDeleteI know families where 3-4 kids play computer games or use tablets or iphones at the same time. Letting children to use a laptop for a while is ok but if children start being addicted from the technology I think parents should step in and react!
ReplyDeleteUsing technology too soon destroys a child's ability to learn problem solving skills and to be creative.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Peggy. And these are the skills that are extremely important later in life. Parents often let small children play computer games etc to keep them quiet. Few minutes is ok but not letting the children spend all days using it.
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