Growing up, most of my childhood memories involve time spent playing outside. I remember quite vividly building my own treehouse with the help of my kid sister. Picking wild blackberries in mid-summer wearing full winter clothing as protection from the briers. Riding big wheels and bicycles up and down our long driveway. Catching lightning bugs barefoot on the front lawn and playing outside for hours with the neighborhood kids.
I’m sure I played indoors a lot, too, but the funny thing is, I have limited memories of those times. I don’t remember the moments I spent watching TV (or VHS) or playing Nintendo. Before there was such a term as “screen time,” my parents already knew to keep it limited while I was growing up.
Technology Acceleration
Technology has advanced so much in the past few decades. Facets of life are so much easier and convenient because we are better connected. At the same time, today’s technology has made it easier to keep our kids entertained inside. I know, because I too have used technology as a babysitter for my kids. I can get a quick shower without being interrupted, cook dinner without being tugged on or have a moment of peace and end the bickering on a cold or rainy day.
As much as I’d love to claim my kids rarely use technology, I don’t think that’s the right answer for their upbringing. In two decades, when they face the job market and branch out on their own, they will likely end up in a job that utilizes technology. After all, I did.
Technology as Accessory
What I hope to show my kids throughout their childhood is that technology is just a supplement to a well-rounded life. I want them to understand how we use technology to connect and collaborate with others. To learn new ideas and dig deeper into subjects of interest. And to help and bless others and to make processes more efficient.
But I don’t want them to believe that technology is their world. I don’t want them to learn Spanish solely from an app. For them to learn their ABCs predominantly from a cartoon. Or to gather their morals from a popular TV show. I don’t want them to value online social interactions above real-life interactions.
I don’t want technology to raise my children.
I hope to raise my kids with the mindset that the best life is lived outdoors, exploring and interacting with nature. Showing them that technology is simply a supplement to all the creations they are discovering on their own. I hope when they have the decision to play outside or watch TV, they will choose the outdoors.
Lead by Example
As a parent, I know I have to do a better job of leading by example. I need to put away the smartphone–even when I’m just using the camera–and live in the moment more. Having technology at my fingertips doesn’t mean I have to respond to emails and texts right away. I need to manage my time better so I complete my online tasks and freelance work when they are sleeping or at preschool.
In many ways, today’s world is much different than the one I was raised, but core values are passed down from generation to generation. Not via technology. I have to show my kids what matters in this life. They need to see that man made the technology; technology doesn’t make the man.
