I'll be the first to admit that it's our own fault. To soothe our infant, we'd bounce him on the exercise ball in front of the TV. He'd be soothed by the bouncing and mesmerized by the moving pictures. On weekends, when he got bored and we were tired, we'd sit in front of the computer watching YouTube videos of The Wiggles or Sesame Street.
Turn.It.On.
Canon T1i | Manual | 50mm | ISO 200 | f/2.2 | 1/200 sec | SpeedLite 380EX
We were really good weaning him off the computer before he was one. Even though he asked to sit in front of the computer, we refused to turn it on for him. Eventually, he just lost interest. Yay, score 1 for us. Even now at 22-months he tries to pull the same thing, and we still refuse to turn the computer on for him.
But we haven't been so strict with our iPhones since we got them in January. It'd be the end of the day, and we'd watch videos with him. Videos of himself, The Wiggles, Sesame Street, etc. We've been able to limit his watching to either weekends or when he's sick at home. One, because we need a break. And two, because isn't that what we'd do if we were sick too?
Enjoying iPhone with Dad
(see more photos on my post about black and white photography)
Canon T1i | Manual | 50mm | ISO 3200 | f/3.2 | 1/80 sec
We also haven't been strict about the TV. Every morning, after breakfast, J jumps into our bed to watch the Sprout channel -- The Wiggles, Thomas and Friends, Chloe's Closet -- while we get ready for work and daycare. Most evenings, he also watches some TV before bed.
J chillaxin on our bed, in font of the TV with Percy and his toothbrush
Taken with phone
Sometimes these interactions with technology are educational -- we point out animals, colors, letters, shapes, etc., but other times, it's pure entertainment. And I don't know if the look in J's eyes is of concentration or glazing-over. Oi.
Personally, I have nothing against the iPhone or TV since during my free time, I am probably watching TV, checking Instagram and Twitter on my phone, and blogging on my laptop at the same time. Any else??? So the question to myself, to the hubby, and to you is, is it reasonable for me expect J to live technology-free when his mom and dad use technology so often?
I want J to continue developing his skills -- problem-solving, reading, imagination, independence, etc. I mean, he can still do all these things while watching a few videos online and watching a little TV, right? Chime in! Share from your own experiences. Share what you've read elsewhere. Let's talk!
What do you think about technology and your children?
Go hand-in-hand?
Should be separated for now?
Go hand-in-hand?
Should be separated for now?
Show some love. Leave a comment below and I'll definitely respond!
Feel free to leave critiques on my blog or photos!
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Originally posted at expandng.com - Technology-free kids?
Feel free to leave critiques on my blog or photos!
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Follow this blog!
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Originally posted at expandng.com - Technology-free kids?
for the first 2.5yrs of K's life, she didn't watch tv. i never have it on for "background noise" when we're home (i've never done this even before K was born). i restricted her tv consumption because in my opinion (and this is *just* MY opinion), the first 2yrs are some of the most impressionable years and i wanted K to associate amusing herself with her toys, with me etc instead of focusing on tv. i wanted her to get *used* to being able to amuse herself and not let the tv do it for her. my hubs was a kindy teacher and he used to tell me that he could totally tell the kids who watched a lot of tv vs those who didn't - the ones who did got bored quickly, didn't focus very well when it came to arts/crafts etc because the stuff they see on tv is much more vibrant, stimulating etc etc and i didn't want K to become accustomed to that.
ReplyDeletehowever, now that she's almost 4, knows how to play well on her own and knows how to amuse herself, it's only been about 6mons since we've allowed her to come into our bed on sat/sun mornings to watch 1 show. she can watch tv as we're making breakfast but after breakfast, the tv is turned off and we're out of the house. in total, K watches about 1-1.5hrs a week and there are many times that she will turn the tv off by herself because she doesn't feel like watching it anymore and will play with her toys or color. i limit the amount of tv she watches (or tablet/computer consumption) because i want her to be able to amuse herself with other things. too much tv for kids isn't good, in my opinion.
then again, people tell me i'm too strict! :\
Back when I was little things were a whole lot different. I remember having a Spectrum, which my dad bought for me and my brother to share. But even that was when we were at least 7 years old.
ReplyDeleteEarlier than that, I remember TV. But TV was family time for us. Sitting down for some tea with everyone there.
I don't like the idea of kids being stuck to phones, tv's, computers and tablets. I have a cousin who's now about 11, but his sleep cycle is so out of whack because he spends his nights on the playstation/xbox/tv until about 2am. He's been doing this since he was about 5! Though, that's more to do with discipline coming from the parents.
All these new gadgets are great because they get kids learning about new technology very early on and as such, probably develop different skills earlier on. But, when I finally do have kids, I'd like them to be outside playing at J's age, scribbling with crayons and paper and just playing.
(Happy to hear that J's doing much better! Kids are tough little people!)
We let Juliet watch TV in the morning with Seasame Street and about 5 minutes of Arthur. Then at night the TV is off until Wheel of Fortune. She might get an extra 10 minutes of whatever 8 PM show is on while we read her a bedtime book. Honestly... she has no interest unless is Elmo. She never stops to look at the TV or anything. Maybe it's because we don't restrict it? Same thing with our phones. She'll play for a couple minutes then it's move it on to the next book or toy.
ReplyDeleteAlso... SO sorry you got HFM in the house. That was awful and the worse weekend in our house. It gives me nightmares still.
I have heard numerous times (though, if asked, I don't remember the sources) that screen time should be avoided for kids under two. That said, we live in a technology heavy world, so unless mom and dad avoid their own vices, then baby/toddler is going to get in some screen time. In our house, we have yet to really sit Gavin down to watch TV. I can count on one hand how many kids shows we've put on the television for him. He'll watch for a couple minutes, but then he's off to find something else to do. That doesn't mean we are a TV-free household. We often have the TV on news or sports when Gavin is around - he's aware of the TV, but rarely sits to watch it. And we keep him away from our computers, iPads and iPhones ... though, he sure does love trying to get his hands on them. I don't really know what the right answer is. I get why screen time should be avoided up to a certain point ... but, our reality is that technology is everywhere, so it will be important that our children are knowledgeable about and comfortable using different forms of technology ... the magical question is when is the right time?!?
ReplyDeletesooo glad he is getting better!! i think as A grows up we will probably want him to be as technology free as possible, but yea you are right, mom/dad are always in front of technology so it will be hard to keep him away! we shall see!!
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone is feeling better! Summertime colds are miserable.
ReplyDeleteIf I let him, L would watch Thomas the Train 24 hours a day. I try to restrict Thomas time to 1 hour a day. My big problem is Wii playing. They start fighting and I have to take it away for a few days.
Glad to hear everyone is getting better .. you had me on an emotional rollercoaster there in the beginning with all the good news bad news back-and-forth!!
ReplyDeleteWell, in my opinion, I don't mind exposing Tyler to technology. Our world is immersed in technology, and it's only going to get worse, so why not give him an early start. Now don't get me wrong, I am totally opposed to technology, especially tv, being a babysitter, but I don't mind if my son spends time watching tv.
In regards to tv content, well, Tyler enjoys the Sprout Channel (He's in love with Nina from the Good Night Show) and watching shows that have audiences .. especially American Idol .. he enjoys clapping along .. but when the TV or computer is off, he doesn't really care ... rather, he will just find something else to do. I am addicted to watching tv and my wife is addicted to being on the computer ... it's almost impossible for Tyler not to be caught up in the middle. Luckily for us, our lil boy would rather go out and explore the world than stay in and watch tv!
I am so guilty of turning on the tube (Sprout as well) when I need to keep Baby C from under my toes or I just need to sit and chill for a few. Especially in the winter months when we can't get out as much. My husband and I have decided to get rid of cable when we move into our new home (because it's so expensive). We will use streaming tv. Good thing it has Baby C's favorite shows. LOL! I also think know how to use a computer is important for kids.
ReplyDeleteI just realized recently that I do have my laptop and phone open quite a bit around Miles during the day- however, I set aside certain times (mealtimes mostly) where I turn everything off and set the iPhone aside to just enjoy some time with him. Also, I have some friends who let their kids hold their phones but I would cry if I let Miles do that and he dropped it, or deleted something accidentally. (Let's face it, I love that phone.) As long as there's a balance, I think it's fine!
ReplyDeleteIt's like you read my mind with this post! I've been wanting to ask other moms (including mom bloggers) about how much TV they REALLY allow their children to watch. I think most of us are aware that the American Academy of Pediatrics advises us to limit screen time as much as possible, and to not allow children under age 2 to watch any TV, but I've been curious how many moms actually abide by this rule. When (around what age in months) did you START allowing J to watch TV? Early on, I was VERY VERY strict about TV and other screen time, but now that baby C is a bit older (we're closing in on 12 months!), I've relaxed a little bit. We still don't really let him sit down in front of the TV but he loves remote controls so we let him play with those once in a while -- which means that the TV is on (and off and on and off...) for a little while in front of him. I keep feeling guilty that this is doing him some sort of damage, but then again I like that he's curious about electronics and technology. Perhaps he'll be an electrical engineer someday! :)
ReplyDeleteI think about all the tech we have this day in age and what we had as kids! Everything now is streamlined, instant gratification! I mean seriously...netflix moved from movies to on demand streaming! It's hard but I do think that kids can't become too dependent on technology!
ReplyDeleteI let my little one (2 in a couple weeks) watch tv as long as it is educational. I am really strict about the crazy busy cartoons that just don't have a lot of structure. We like Sprout tv...sesame street, wiggles, caillou, etc...and he can watch it in the morning while he eats his breakfast but the rest of the day we are outside and doing hands on things. At night after dinner, bath time and books...we let him wind down to some tv...usually sleepy stuff like baby einstein and milo and otis. So, I actually am fine with tv..or technology as long as it is moderated and used for learning (during these impressionable years anyways). Every family dynamic is different though...make a decision based on your needs. I think as long as there is enough time without it then it should be fine!
ReplyDeleteWe try to limit TV watching, but our girls still watch many shows... fortunately most of them are at least partly educational. When my husband and I got new iPhones, we decided to keep our old ones and let the girls use them for games/videos, although we pretty much only let them use them in situations where they have to wait for a long time, such as restaurants, airports, etc. It's been a serious lifesaver as our girls can be very impatient!
ReplyDeleteI hope he feels better soon. I noticed you've been less active this week and was wondering if everything is ok.
ReplyDeleteThe tv and tech is a toughie. It is so much a part of daily life but you do want him to grow up being active too. Maybe time limits?
poor little guy. he suffered so much.... i remember when alex got sick, adam always got what alex had, and vice versa... then i would get it, and the whole fam would be sick for a while... and a few months later, the process is repeated.... our kids got sick all the time! after the kids turned three, i think the illnesses are less... for sure. i hope you're feeling better, too.
ReplyDeletei let my kids play ipad as a reward... but sometimes i just can't help it but to leave the tv on when i don't want to... it gives me a moment of silence. :D i try not to overdo it... and give them activities like drawing or helping me make food or something like that.... the good thing is that, i try to pick games for the kids that are "educational."
First off, I'm glad that you and the hubs are getting better. I hate being sick.
ReplyDeleteTechnology and kids...well, I once saw a youtube video of a 18 month old playing with an iPad. She knew how to swipe to change screens, which I thought it was fascinating to watch. Then later in the video, that baby was given a magazine and she tried "swiping" to get to the next page. I can't believe this kid knows how to use an iPad, but not a magazine...crazy, uh?
Like others mentioned, technology is all around us. I sometimes think limiting their exposure is not nearly as important as teaching them to be savvy regarding technology. Using it as a tool instead of letting it control their lives.
ReplyDeleteTo that end, my husband and I are pretty controlling. When the kids were really little, we loved having a DVR because we had pre-recorded shows. The kids could sit and watch one show here or there as their mood or my energy dictated. Computer was the same thing. Limited use, only educational games at first, absolutely no internet access.
Now that my kids are 9 and 10, they earn electronics time by reading or being active. TV is separate because I still want to be able to say, you need a break. Go lay down and watch a tv show to relax. They have to ask to watch tv or play on electronics and if they are getting mouthy or lazy, we say no.
As a result, they still spend a lot of time using their imagination. My son is playing with Legos as I write (in the middle of the fort he and his friend built). That's just how we approached it.
Oh so sorry to hear J has been sick, foot and mouth! oohh... Bubba watches a bit of TV, more and more the bigger I get I have to admit! She only likes Pippi Longstocking (a swedish show) and Play School (an Aussie one) GOOD CHOICES BUBBA! I would like her not to watch so much but nowdays I am just so tired, how bad it that !!!
ReplyDelete