It’s interesting to remember where we were before Waze… blundering around town, that’s where. Rather than nonchalantly dismissing modern communication and technology, let’s appreciate fewer visits to the bank, medical advances, and the fact that I don’t have to hand-deliver this article to my editors, for starters.
But appreciating the advantages shouldn’t prevent us from honestly facing the very real issues. The possible angles are as endless as the web; here are some dilemmas readers shared
Typical scene: Frum Mom waits in line as Tot starts to make experimental unhappy sounds. Mom quickly sets up some Bob the Builder distraction and — soooo cute — at 15 months he knows how to set the whole thing on replay.
What’s wrong with this picture?
So many things.
When a kid kvetches, Mom can talk to him, rock him, or hold him if needed. By accustoming him to being soothed by Bob, you lose that bonding, and risk developing an appetite for digital comfort food. Then you ponder why, at age 30, he turns to his phone when he’s stressed. We learn to work through frustration by dealing with it, not by numbing it. If you never allow him to exercise that emotional muscle, don’t wonder at his short fuse when he’s older.
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