No Technology for Our Children?

This San Francisco Magazine article titled Tech gets a time-out written by Dan Fost
A great insight into many Waldorf parent's decision to hold off or minimize technology in their household for their children.  It does not mean they do not use it.  It means they make a choice on what to expose their child to whose capacities are still developing.
http://www.sanfranmag.com/story/tech-gets-a-time-out

This approach honors childhood and does not look at the children as mini-me.

Technology = richer expansive life
Facebook facilitates communication on an everyday level to family and friends across the world.  It has also made our life more complex, perhaps even our knowledge, while expanded, a bit swallow.  And whether or not a Waldorf parent, parents across this nation need to manage and monitor their child's internet action. 

Parents need to be informed and think
I don't like being told that my child needs technology!  Equally I don't like to be told that my child should not have technology.  I think if parents think about the issue, truely think, and read, and listen to their own intuition - they will be able to come up with a decision that fits their family.  And as the sands change so should their decision as their children develop.

Myth #1- No technology will hurt the child
One pet peeve of mine is people thinking that kids will be left behind if they are not introduced to technology in the womb.  Well okay, maybe not that early, but kindergarden.  Bullshit.  And shame on you to think such.  Did the inventor of technology have computers when they grew up?  No.  I did not have technology when I grew up in the 70s and 80s.  Yet I can use a computer, go to the computer store and know about the components, pitch high tech, such as USB 3.0 and achieve results of being published, download pictures/music, research, social media saavy, video usability plus download, upload & reformat, print envelopes (this is actually fairly difficult - resulting in crying as jams and problems, usually a deadline for Chirstmas cards) - well you get the point.  If a num-skull like me can do this with mud pie, collecting lady bugs, climbing trees, riding my bike kind of training - well you get the point.  Another question - did you have computer training while growing up?  Are you able to use the computer?

This throw kids tons of tech so they wont be left behind  does drive me crazy.  What about the fact that technology changes so fast that what they learn will be OBSOLUTE?!  Then there is the thought that they can build on what they learned.  Seriously?!  To push a button to turn it on?  Oh ya let's remember the rocket science needed in typing in what you need to research.  Heck you don't even need to click on the magnifiy glass, just click enter.

Ya know I would be okay if they taught typing because I cringe when I watch my daughter on the keyboard.  And I have never known anyone to get addicted to a typewriter.  The only thing that hinders my technology advancement is my moods.  Sometimes I don't want to know anything about technology, or sometimes my drive or focus is not there.  I'd rather be in the garden.

What's your thoughts?  Computers as Mobiles?  Plugged-in kids in front of the TV?  What age?

Tallys for Tuesday

Overall a good day, good state of being, but as the day wore on I felt more overwhelmed than not.  At the end of the day I was in front of Blessed Mary on my knees praying for strength...

I started the day with acceptance that I would be doing something different with my life, even a sense of relief for change. 

I had been isolated at work.  Communication gone as I was invited and then not given any details to the meeting with the client and questions on how the team wants me to handle hits and strong editorial opportunities were ignored.  I was told I was last on and first to go.

I was looking forward to some mindless job where I don't have to deal with egos.  I even was resigned to not be in communication with Editor-In-Chief, Presidents, and VPs.  Ahhh the simple life.  Then I get an email from my boss that I do have project in an email signed xoxo.  My mindset shattered and I am going to be back on which is great news for a single mom.  I think.

Midday the doorbell rings and it is my neighbor wanting to discuss the proposed Santa Clara stadium.  He is against it and I am for it.  He leaves me a copy of an article from the Mercury News for me to read so we can discuss (aka open my eyes)

I have a belly dancing performance this Sunday and just found out about it this past Sat.  My dance teacher wanted to have practice tonight at 7pm.  I have a parent meeting at my daughter's school at 6-7:30.  I ask my Ex to please go to the meeting as I cannot go to it.  He can't go to it.  I thought about it and he has not gone to any parent meetings in the past 3 years we have been separated/divorce.  Then I thought more and I don't think he has ever gone to a parent meeting.  I would blast him but I don't have the energy, don't want to waste brain cells.

So I go to the meeting, my Dad watches my daughter for me, and I feel completely attacked at the meeting.

Now to be fair no names were mentioned, but if I did not feel like I would break down crying from an overwhelming feeling of drowning, I would have been swinging at some people. 

As it is I stayed quiet.  I listen to them say that they chose to have their child at a Waldorf school so there would be no media (tv, computer, ipod, etc...)  I listen to them saying they should have a rule and stick to it and not deviate from their standards because of sympathy. 

At that point I see the writing on the wall...even though I have an ancient, tiny TV that does not get reception, I do not live in a vacumn.  In fact divorce really lessens your control over your child (my Ex allows all that.)  And who am I kidding- the Grandparents think it is hog wash.  I don't think young children need technology, but as they get older it is not that bad for them. 

I allowed my daughter to have an email address as the kids plan a summer camp for younger kids.  Grandpa gave her an Ipod.  The point is my head is on the chopping block and my 11 yr old may get kicked out.

I tried to call one of the Mothers a couple of times when out of the meeting who told the story that her Husband set up an email account when her daughter was 3yr old and she does not use it.  Since when I got in my car I had an email from her daughter (my daughter's email goes through my blackberry).  She never answered my calls.

As my overweary body, brain dead, and drained self leaves the church, I must have received some comfort praying.  God only gives me what I can handle, I will get through all this, with God all is possible.  I am in the place I need to be in.  I believe in the future.