Not only can you, but you must if you want to raise bright kids. Let's look at a few facts:
Their Precious Brain Cells
Did you know your child is born with about 100 billion brain cells and that these cells make trillions of connections with one another during his first three years of life?
And did you know that those very connections form the foundation of his intelligence?
Yet, because of the overuse of technology, too many children are not receiving adequate stimulation during the pre-adolescent years to forge these neural pathways and maintain the ones they have formed.
“Technology: ‘the knack of so arranging the world that we don’t have to experience it.”
Simply put, if your child is a student of online learning or in the habit of using technology, including e-readers, chances are there may be some delays and possible disruption to his developmental processes.
And put bluntly, if I may, he may not become as intelligent as he could have been with a tech-free childhood. It is the obvious conclusion when you understand how technology affects the growing brain.
If you are still a "see it to believe it" parent, all I can say is that your child will probably be grown by the time you see it.
Is it a gamble you're willing to take?
So, What Can A Parent Do?
With technology lurking in every corner of the modern world, with your children targeted by the "educational" software companies through corporate strings in Washington, and with the gaming industry's enormously powerful lobby navigating a world with less technology does require much effort.
But it is possible, and it is a must if you want to raise an intelligent, ethical, critically-thinking child.
Strategy #1: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
The first action you can take is to remember that your children will not ask for technology if they don't see you using it or see it constantly in the home. Therefore, out of sight, out of mind.
Keep your children away from technology with simple steps like teaching them with real books, not on computers. Also, host your television and computer in your bedroom or office, and keep yourself unplugged during the time you spend with your children.
As far as your home is concerned, it's really that simple.
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”
Strategy #2: Don't Be Afraid to Go Against the Grain
When you visit friends, don't be shy to let them know that you are trying to raise your children in a low-tech zone and that you prefer your children play with their kids rather than plugin together.
After all, that’s why you brought them over—to play together.
When it comes to our children's well-being, we have to be mama and papa bears and stand up for what is best for them, even if we get slack from others for it. Because what is more important: our children's well-being or how others perceive us?
Fortunately, most intelligent and reasonable parents will respect your request. (If they don't, you may want to question the value of their friendship.)
Strategy #3: The Crux of the Matter
Here is the crux of the matter, though: You absolutely must find like-minded family and friends to raise your children with. You cannot be the only parent to say "no" to technology; otherwise, technology is exactly what your child will seek out the minute he has a tad of independence.
It's otherwise known as the "forbidden apple" syndrome. Not only that, but your children will see you as the odd parent because their friend's parents allow them to use technology. If they all use it, then you must be the wrong one, not them.
“If it keeps up, man will atrophy all his limbs but the push-button finger.”
Underneath this new attitude towards you is one of disrespect. It's the curse of raising kids in the West. Progressive parenting theories have steered us way off course, and most parents are getting bad advise.
Unless you have like-minded friends who agree with the parenting stance you've taken, you will find yourself in a solo uphill battle with your children. To avoid undermining your relationship with your kids, you've got to find like-minded families, even if it means moving to a new location.
If moving sounds like an extreme measure, remember that it is your relationship with your children that we are discussing. The relationship between the parent and child is one of the most sacred relationships we have and one to protect at all costs for both parent and child.
If the family relationship breaks down, everyone loses. It will even take a toll on your marriage, as there is nothing more draining than dealing with unruly, disrespectful kids. We have a lot of "grey" divorces now to show for it.
Furthermore, there is nothing more devastating to society than to weaken its foundation with broken families. It takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes. But all it takes is one rotten child to destroy that village.
Raising a child is the most serious matter, and that’s why being a parent is the most important job.
Don’t miss our free download, Ten Books Every Well-Educated Child Should Read.
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Elizabeth Y. Hanson is an Educator, Homeschool Emerita, Writer, and a Love and Leadership Certified Parenting Coach with 20 years of experience working in children’s education.
Utilizing her unusual skill set, coupled with her unique combination of mentors, Elizabeth has developed her own comprehensive understanding of how to raise and educate a child. She devotes her time to helping parents get it right.
☞ Disclaimer: This is not a politically-correct blog.
