Being that my children have been born and raised in the "Age of Technology", it is becoming increasing difficult to find them toys and games that don't either involve an Xbox, Nintendo, Wii, computer or T.V. in general. While I do enjoy the technology we have today, for its relatively easy and convenient use, I believe it has significantly reduced every child's need for imagination and the ability to entertain themselves.
I was at a store the other day and my son was using the gift card he'd received for his birthday. We were in this store (that supposedly has everything) for 45 minutes. Those minutes weren't spent trying to choose among many things, but trying to find just one thing he wanted. There is very little there out there that requires any type of physical movement or thinking. Which makes it really hard for a little boy who can't stand still or the idea of being by himself.
Having said that, let me also add that trying to get either of my boys to go outside and play at the park, without my attendance, is like pulling teeth, especially if they are by themselves. The same goes for riding their bike, playing basketball or playing in the yard. Neither of them are content to play by themselves. Someone has to be with them and apparently, the imaginary friends are long gone.
What happened here? This is not how I remember my childhood. I got sent outside all the time and never had any problem playing for hours in the dirt, or riding my bike, or playing basketball or whatever. I didn't care. I made it fun and I was always "by myself" and/or "on my own". I think the difference comes from the times in which you are raised.
I'm not too much into buying all this electronic stuff because it seems like once you buy one product, two months later they have something better and it goes on and on and on (kinda like this sentence). So, I have strayed from it. I have never spent money on an Xbox, Nintendo, nintendo DS or whatever else they have in those aisles. However, I did break down and buy our boys a Wii a couple of years ago, which we have all enjoyed.
My concern is that it seems the only things my boys want to do is sit in front of T.V., play on the computer, watch their DVD players or fight over the Wii. All of which requires them to do nothing, except occasionally slap each other. They are zoned out and checked out. Mumified.
You might be thinking this has happened because I have allowed it to. Actually, I haven't. One of my house rules is that they spend 1 active hour outside, everyday, during the school year. I don't care what they do, but they have to do something that requires movement and not a screen. This is done with less complaining if they are together (until the fighting starts). If they are on their own, oh the whining that accompanies my direction!! You'd think I was making them pick rocks on the mountainside. The terrible tragedy of it all. Sniff.
Is this because children today are getting used to having someone or something else do the entertaining for them? In order for them to have a good time, do they need to stare at a screen, of any variety, with little to no thought? Why is there such fear and loathing when they are told to spend some time alone?
I am so thankful some of these products have realized this problem and decided to make a change by including educational and/or physical material in said products. Here are a few examples, of some positive changes, some of these companies have decided to implement.
1. The Wii has "Fitness", "Dance Party" and "Biggest Loser" games for adults and kids. Its a great alternative for the kids when they are indeed stuck in the house and can't get that extra hour of activity in. It happens, here in Montana, sometimes.
2. There are some great after school programs on the T.V. that encourage learning and expanding minds. I realize certain channels only come with certain programs, but if you can add a learning channel to your package, it is well worth the price.
3. My son recently showed me a website that teaches science through today's music. Let me explain that one better. This teacher has taken popular songs from today and changed the words to be about all things science. I know this method of teaching is working, because I've overheard both of my boys singing these songs, but with the lyrics to science instead of the original version.
4. I've also found another website that teaches children about our nation's history through cartoons. We all know history can be a little boring (I mean, who can blame the kids, really?) But, what a great way to teach children how our nation came to be what it is today? A fantastic site that every child should see.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to our "Age of Technology". In some ways, its provided an extra avenue in which our children can learn and enjoy themselves. In other ways, its partially removed a vital aspect of every child, their ability to imagine and entertain themselves.
I plan to continue to learn how I can get all these electronic gadgets to work in my children's (and my) favor. I am quite positive there is way more out there than what I've found so far. My sincerest desire is that I simply want them to have fun and enjoy the benefits of today, but at the same time have the ability to be creative and self-sufficient. I just need to show them how to roll at that into one big package!
If you have any suggestions of educational websites, t.v. programs, wii games, etc. that would help encourage my children to be a little more self-reliant and imaginative, please post them below. Your input and ideas are greatly appreciated.
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