Rearing Creative Cyber-Kids

Kids these days have the ability to do many things – surf the Internet, watch DVD’s in the van, and manipulate video game controllers with the greatest of ease. But, one thing many children of this generation lack is the ability to entertain themselves. The overuse of technology is something we all know is not beneficial to our children. Utilizing the tube as a babysitter so we can surf the Net is not wise use of our power as parents. Allowing our children to zone out on the sofa as drool drips from corners of their mouths in not something I condone – in fact I find this somewhat appalling behavior for parents to allow. A truly secure child is one who can spend large amounts of time alone (without technological distractions) using only their God-given creativity to keep them occupied. Children who are not being entertained need to create their own entertainment – and then enters INGENUITY! But, what I want to bring to light today are what I have found to be the many benefits of the controlled use of technology and our children – and how it has actually generated creativity in our family.

There was a time in life when I viewed technology as an “evil” we must keep as far away and limited as possible. My mind has changed a bit from those days. Although we allow it – we do make a few serious moral distinctions and tend to limit technology use in our home, though not to the degree of some other parents I’ve seen. We Keavy’s have a television (without cable), computer and even an outdated Play-station that was generously given to us. Because we have seen our children spawn numerous creative ideas from technology, it is difficult for us to discount its use entirely.

After a Star Wars film, we have observed baseball bats becoming light sabers which then translates into hours of imaginative play. We have noticed sofa cushions morphing into lily pads for a live game of Frogger after playing the real version. We have witnessed our children playing pretend dinosaurs with beanie babies for three hours after viewing a dinosaur movie. Without the initial viewing of the movie or video game – -the children may not have become interested in the subject at all. I consider this to be a benefit of controlled technology use.

Our seven year old son enjoys working with the computer. He utilizes much of his spare time using graphic design programs that I have helped him learn. We have watched him create countless graphics of the flags of the world, and now he is interested in Star Wars character sketches. This particular son uses the Internet to answer various questions he comes up with throughout the day. Answers to questions that would normally not be answered until a trip to the library can be found in only seconds using encyclopedia sites on the Web. In all the research we have done (thanks to fantastic controls on our Internet security program) we have not once come across any unsavory sites. Our sons also partake in online home school classes which they absolutely adore.

In our home school, we use videos such as “The Magic School Bus” to learn about anything from human anatomy to insects. Documentaries on DVD include those on topics like the Civil War, sharks, the Titanic and many more. The use of video for education is a valuable tool that arouses more of the senses than reading a book ever could. The images and sounds engage a learner for what I believe is more in-depth knowledge retention. We enjoy popping in a documentary as we draw or craft about the topic.

Television shows like “American Idol” and “Touched by an Angel” are shows which work as a family adhesive for us. What fun it is to gently debate which Idol contestant we think is the worst or best and why. Shows like “Fear Factor” can spur conversations in our home about what we would and wouldn’t eat for money.

In conclusion, I believe if we take part in technology in moderation it can be beneficial to our children and families. So many educational opportunities can be missed if we limit ourselves with the vast capabilities this century has bestowed upon us. Make an educated decision concerning your own family use of technology, and do what fits for you.