Playtime Trumps Technology Every Time

A recent article I saw on Facebook said “Your children want YOU,” and it discusses the dilemma of always being “in touch” via cell phones, Smart phones, tablets, Google, Facebook, Twitter…well, you get the idea. It goes on to say that our children merely want our time and attention and don’t want to vie with modern technology to get it.

That has long been a pet peeve of mine. How many times have you been out to dinner and seen a table full of friends who are individually texting/surfing the entire time? Isn’t the point of going to dinner to talk face-to-face with your friends?

The article suggests that parents give all of their time to their kids because when all is said and done, you don’t want your kids growing up thinking they weren’t important enough. Take that electronic device out of your hand and replace it with a spatula…for baking cupcakes with your kids. Or replace it with crayons and color the afternoon away. Maybe even put your hand in their's and walk to the park and look for dandelions along the way.

Yes, I have raised two children and I know that life is busy. I found a balance between required duties (like laundry and housework) and playtime with my kids. When a task needed my whole focus, they learned to play independently, and that served them well in life. When I could incorporate teaching moments in everyday tasks, I would involve them so they were part of the process, thus, learning responsibility.

I really think this is why grandparents play such a pivotal role in their grandchildren’s lives. It is all about the play. Their smiling faces aren’t buried in a glowing screen, their eyes are on the most important treasure; a sweet, lovable human being that has given untold joy to their lives. Yes, I am a new grandmother of two-year old Oliver, and come June, his little brother will join the family.

My favorite memories of parenthood are the ones where I am sitting on the couch with my kids and reading book after book, smelling the sweetly-shampooed bundles of love that I was blessed with. And the funny thing is that I fell more in love with my kids each and every day, and now that they are adults, I love them in a whole new way. Parenthood is incredible and a role that many people yearn to have but can’t.

So, really, there is a time and place for technology (when the kids are napping or at school) but when they are in front of you, wanting your attention, imagine them not there. It goes by way too fast.