Kids, No Batteries Required

By Author: Brooks Richmond
Total Articles: 89
Comment this article

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that younger and younger children are becoming dependant on electronics?
I was out shopping the other day and couldn’t help but notice a little boy, who didn’t appear to be more than three years old, badgering his mother for her cell phone so he could play a game while riding in the shopping cart. I was saddened when she relented and handed it over.

Maybe it’s a sign that I’m getting old but I have to say that I think it’s a shame that many children seem to be bored with what’s going on around them and reach for an electronic device for distraction and amusement.

I remember taking my own three children on shopping trips when they were that age and they just wanted to go and check everything out. All the bright colours on the shelves were enough to get their attention and it seemed that the shelves that were the furthest away always had the most interesting items to examine. It wasn’t that they were always wandering off (I was a strict Mom and didn’t allow that and they knew it), they were just all naturally curious ...
... and observed what was around them and wanted to see and learn about everything. Taking things from the shelves was not permitted but pointing and asking questions was. I answered a lot of questions back then. I really miss those days.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m the first one to admit that electronics have advanced to amazing capabilities and can make our everyday lives much easier, not to mention how they play a role in improved diagnostics of everything from health problems to engines and monitoring our safety.
I just think that a three year old should be more interested in wanting to move about and discover their surroundings than sitting and staring at a screen.

Now my own children are all grown up but I’m a Great Aunt and an Honorary Grandma. When the kids come to my place, they know that electronics are to be turned off but that seems to be ok with them because there’s always something to do here.
At our house we prefer colourful toys that stimulate creative play and using the imagination. Anything with wheels is a hit with both the boys and the girls and so is being able to build things. I keep blocks and other building toys and I always have various craft kits and colouring activities available so there’s something for them all to enjoy.
We have long brick walkways around our house so ride on toys for the little ones keeps them moving and entertained in the fresh air when the weather is nice.

Board games are my favourite because they encourage interacting with each other and also because I get to play too.

I am so happy and thankful that the kids like to come over and enjoy the time we spend together unplugged.

So, maybe it’s just me, but I think that there’s a time and place for electronics and that’s not in the hands of a small child. Let’s let kids be kids and save the electronics until they’re old enough to appreciate that there is a whole wide, wonderful world around them.

About the author: Giselle Tregunna manages Blogger Relations for ReSoMe but enjoys unplugging with her Nieces, Nephews and Honorary Grandchildren as often as possible!

board games
toys for toddlers