Kids + Technology

How long every day is your child 'connected'.  Are they watching TV the moment they get home from school?  Playing video games non-stop?  Downloading apps on their i-whatevers?

 

I played outside when I got home from school -- No, I didn't walk to school barefoot, up-hill both ways!  I do try to instill a less-'connected' form of play at my house.  This doesn't mean that my kids don't enjoy a little Sesame Street, Skylanders on the Wii, or playing Angry Birds on my phone.  This just means that 'connected' play is earned play at my house and isn't an every day thing. 

 

There are ways to encourage your children to utilize technology that also encourages exploration, creativity, and gets their brains thinking. 

 

My favorite way to do this is to hand my kids an old digital camera or even my iphone or ipod touch -- well protected, of course!  Lifeproof cases or Otterboxes are a MUST with kids!

 

The key here is to not be a dictator.  I have a hard time with this... or so says my husband!  Let your kids go.  Let him take pictures of what HE finds interesting in ways and angles that HE wants.  You might just learn a little bit about your child in doing this as well.  Is he taking pictures of nature or people?  Is he taking pictures of small details, or whole settings?  You might just find out what is important to your child... which in turn can help you become a better parent. 

 

 

Proud Parent Moment...

Yesterday, my 7 yr old took this photo of his sister, playing in the rocks.  Yes, we do fun things like playing with rocks at our house.  Be jealous.

 

I definitely think this is a printable and framable work of art that just might end up in my daughter's room.

 

 

 

There are so many projects that could come from handing your child a camera.  You could create a scrapbook with your child of all his or her photos.  You could frame them and put them on the wall.  With your help, your child could start his or her own blog!  He or she could bring them to school for show and tell.  He or she could create photo gifts for grandparents, aunts, or uncles!  The list goes on and on. 

 

So, next time your child asks to play Wii, maybe you could hand them a camera instead and go for a walk!