In today’s day of ever advancing technology, it’s hard to keep children grounded with good values. Children as young as seven years old are asking for the newest cell phone, Xbox, and any other gadget fad out. It’s even harder for a parent to say no when the child sees their classmates with one. The onset of new electronics is a serious concern for some parents who can’t afford to give their children these things. Most can end up costing hundreds of dollars not including the extras to go with it. Xbox games run anywhere between 20 to 50 dollars just for one.
It’s also another struggle to maintain an open communication with kids if they are constantly “plugged in” all the time. Over the years, as technology evolved, so did more and more ways to escape from the real world. Parents have to make greater efforts to communicate with their children, and keep them active in a world where video games and plasma televisions are becoming priority among kids. Studies have found a link between obesity and the overdose of technology available to children. This is not surprising. One of the most popular games out now, World of Warcraft, is an interactive internet game that many people spend countless hours playing at one time. With entertainment at the touch of your fingers, players never have to leave their chairs.
One way to bring a family closer is to maintain a certain routine. Have dinner together every night, making sure everyone leaves their phone away from the table. Also, be firm on when they can and cannot watch television. This is especially important in children under 8 years old as they are extremely impressionable and should be encouraged to play outdoor activities. Too much media can create social problems and stunt emotional growth.
The advances in technology will only continue and each parent will have to find ways to balance human connection with mechanics.