I have heard the term "digital baby sitter" used more than once lately. Since becoming a parent to a VERY spirited and busy little boy, my time is not my own, in fact, I have very limited time to myself. I don't mind this, my kid is my everything and I love spending my moments with him. But I know how important it is for one to have time for oneself, on a spiritual and emotional level, and of course to regain one's sanity! I also know that there are a ton of other things to get done daily; cooking, cleaning, Steeming (have to include Steeming)!
So yes, babysitters make life easier, they're a necessity. Having a partner to help you is ideal, but it's not always realistic, either because your partner is busy bringing in some bucks or because you're doing it alone (big thumbs up to those who do it alone)! In this technological age however, I have noticed (and have been a culprit myself, I'm far from perfect) that parents are resorting more and more to digital gadgets and screens to keep their kids quietly entertained, while life goes on. I can't help but feel that this is definitely going to have a Psychological impact on our younger generations.
I'm all for technology, in fact, my husband and I own and run a Software Development Company, so we not only enjoy this digital era, but it's our bread and butter too! When it comes to our kid though, we are both old school. We believe in imaginative play, mud cakes, running and jumping - we limit TV as much as possible. As for iPads and mobile phones, we try to use them ourselves as little as possible in front of our child, never mind giving them to him for entertainment. Again, we are not perfect and I can never say "never", but this is our philosophy and we really do try stick to it.
Our son's school follows this same philosophy. He goes to a Waldorf school, where their curriculum is almost "hippie-like". You will not find TV's in the classrooms, no mobiles are permitted and learning is done through writing, not typing. It is only later in the students' high-school careers that modern technology is introduced to them. At this stage they are taught how to build a computer as well as requested to develop their own software - which I think is amazing! They don't just introduce you to technology, but encourage you to invent it!
So yes, I am of the opinion that introducing digital technology to our kids will have a negative impact. I say this because I feel minds aren't being stimulated as they should be, the imagination is being fed instead of being born. We cannot always monitor the information that is being poured into our young souls either, so as parents we are losing a touch of parental control. Lastly, it is way too easy to give in to the "digital babysitters", it's an easy way out for us - should parenting be so easy?
This is my take on the matter, I am always open to view-points and I do like to be educated. So please feel free to leave your comments below, perhaps you have more insight or are of the same opinion as me.
Much love - 