Heads UP, people!

 

Here’s an observation:  When I am out and about  these days (dentist, restaurant, library, etc), I’ve noticed that more children than not are ‘plugged in’ to electronic devices.  Have you noticed this as well?  This sight is SO disheartening to me.  Why disheartening?  Because these children are moving through their experiences with a heads down-cranky-obsessive-obliviousness and this truly breaks my heart.  I can only imagine how this behavior will translate into adulthood. 

What I’d love to see is parents talking with their children and children talking with other children.  I’d love to see children looking around and making observations about their world (is it sunny, can I see the moon during the day, why does that man look sad, etc).  I’d love to hear children excited about the BOOKS in an orthodontic office for crying out loud! 

What are my suggestions?  There are a bazillion activities you and your child can do when YOU are out and about.  Think ‘old school’ like ‘I Spy’ or storytelling.  Bring along a deck of cards or some crayons and paper.  How about some string so you can play finger games.  Tell jokes.  Talk to the folks next to you. 

It is my opinion that our culture MUST  stop and consider what type of adults we are creating by allowing our young children to get ‘lost’ in gadgets.