Drew gone Digital

I find it amazing watching children interact with technology. It fascinates me how at such young ages they can maneuver through websites, cell phones, iPads, etc. Part of me dislikes it, "get outside and play in the fresh air!". But the other part of me knows that children will NEED these skills to function in the working world when they get there. I notice huge differences between myself and many coworkers older than me (even by only a few years) and the way we use computers (not to mention the speed...). Don't get me wrong, there are many coworkers who are older than me and can use the computer just fine... but there does seem to be an advantage to having grown up with computers.

I've heard the term "technology native" and "technology immigrant" referring to those who have grown up with technology vs. those who have had to learn to use technology. I more or less grew up with technology (especially computers). I remember my dad bringing our first computer home and setting up Sesame Street games on it for my sister and I to play. I was probably 5 or 6? That would make it 1990ish? Right now, I couldn't even begin to use a card catalog to find a book in a library... And what on earth did you do for research projects before the internet??

When it comes to technology and Drew... the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends NO "screen time" (TV, computers, etc.) for children under the age of 2, even if it's educational. We really don't watch much TV in my house, so it's not a big deal to keep him away from that. But computers and phones? I try my best to keep them off while Drew and I play, but sometimes.... well, you just gotta look up that recipe... or post that picture on Facebook, or figure out what the weekend plans are with Stacey... So Drew has quickly learned that the computer and phone are FUN. In fact, he's learned to "use" the phone pretty well.

Drew texting...

(Speaking of maneuvering technology... I also had another cute video of him receiving a text while typing.... but I think the little bugger managed to erase it!)

And I did download a few games on the iPad for him to play. An ABC song, with a game that he can "type" like he does on my phone and it calls out the letters. Picture flashcards that teach animals and their sounds. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.... all of them work wonders when he's in the middle of a temper tantrum. He sits in my lap and we play and he laughs and giggles.

I think one of the keys is continuing to interact with your child. We tend to use TVs and computer games as babysitters, "you just sit there quietly while I get dinner cooked." That's certainly not a sin (hey, getting a healthy dinner on the table is important, too!), but I think it is important to limit the time, and, as much as possible, participate with your child. Talk about what your child is watching, or the game he/she is playing. And make sure he or she is actively engaged, and not just an audience needing to be entertained.

But having a three year old that can turn on the computer, get to his favorite game website, and play? I can just feel it coming...