I came across this wonderful article on NYTimes, which literally made my day. It's called "A Silicon Valley School That Doesn't Compute". I haven't finished reading the comments yet, but it's such a relief to learn that I'm not the only one to think that the modern technology (such as computers, TVs, and iPads) could be a HUGE distraction from deep, critical and engaging thinking and learning habits.
(I'll keep on where I left yesterday)
I consider myself a strict parent. But there are so many times I found myself shy away from even making a gentle request like "how about less time spending on your emails?", or a simple remark "You don't need a cell phone in middle school", or a constant reminder "TV only on weekends" ( what a nagging mom!) I don't want to be labelled "old-fashioned", "Stubborn", "preachy" or "conservative". ( I've been labelled all those maybe anyway.)
I don't hold an Educational psychology degree(maybe I should get one). I haven't done research on how those modern electronic gadgets have impacted on children. I am a mom, a full-time mom. I observe. I noticed the behavior changes. There's no doubt some of those changes are age-related. But still, some changes bother and worry me. (Mom always worry too much)
I happened to have a conversation with Laura about the pros and cons of spending too much time in front of screen right before I read this article. We were on the way home from her cello lesson. She was very excited telling all about her Keyboarding lesson at school. I'm sure it's a critical skill for their generation. Anyway, the conversation went less exciting when I started to talk about computer time. ( what a wet blanket! I guess I live up to those labels). Laura is a good listener. Only I couldn't quite straight out all my key points. If only I read the article before the conversation, I would be more convincing.
Everybody say that we should always let kids be kids. Let them play. Let them explore. Let them grow their way. But we should do that only when we know what we're doing. We don't simply do that in a careless way. Of course we're not experts. We make mistakes. But it would be nice if once in a while, we all stop and look back to see if that's what we want for our lives. Or let the kids do that. People are more rational in retropect.
Maybe it's time to see if they're "stubborn", too.
(Another headline from today's NYTimes: Screen Time Higher Than Ever for Children.)
