Has the electronic gadget world affected our family connections?
Let’s face it, it is very seldom you will see mature Generation X holding an electronic game console or control. Would you have any clue how to use them? Which button to press for firing, jumping, speeding and….?
My children are both young adults now, but their prized procession is not their books… but all their game consoles and cases of games discs. They spend most of their budget on games and games and games… researching the net for the latest version, newest games, cheapest price. When they are at the shopping centre, you will find them at EB Games outlet most of the time.
Does that hit a note with you?
I saw a toddler with an iPad, enjoying his electronic games at the table while the parents enjoyed their meals next to him. Now that’s truly the iGeneration! You’ll be amazed at what those little kids can do with the gadgets. Check out some of the YouTube segments and you will be able to see what I am talking about.
Pros and cons
There are always pro and cons with everything; however, for the purpose of this article, I am focusing about connections and social consciousness issues.
I talked about the benefits of board games and card games for children in my previous article, as long as there are no monetary exchanges. I have nothing but praise about them and would highly encourage parents to re-introduce board games to their children.
However, what can I say about electronic gadgets for kids?
Electronic gadgets are here to stay. My children grew up with hand held game boys (Pokémon games – remember that?), Game Cube, Nintendo… and now with the internet, Facebook, smart phones…
In the article about social media, I noted that for the Generation Y or Z it is something they have to learn and know. It is their way to create connections, their way of communication – just like our board games, playground games and our telephone.
Can parents create connections with their children through electronic games?
Of course, YES! Definitely!
I just played Mario Kart with my kids recently and I had the greatest laughing fit I have ever had for years. I had to rewire my brain, working out which button to press for “jumping” “accelerating” “firing”…. and I came 11th out of 12th place for the race… not too bad!
But the main thing was we had a fantastic time, laughing and jumping off the couch and most of all, we created the connection through electronic games!
Would my kids play with me again? Not too sure about that, maybe I should practice first before asking them.
So, yes, you can create connections with your children through electronic games, it is just a whole new learning experience out there for your to try.
However, I really oppose the idea of having electronic games or texting at the dinner table! I believe that the dining table is a place for “food, “communication” and “connection” with everyone. I recently saw a family of 4 at a restaurant and all four of them had their smart phone on the table, busy texting and presumably updating their Facebook. That was a wasted opportunity to create connections and bonding between them.
Like everything in life, there needs to be some form of control and balance. It is up to YOU, fellow GoParents to draw the line, as to what extent your children are allowed to spend time on electronic games, whether for self play or with friends.
This is paramount as electronic games are addictive and fun, but they can be a major distraction that takes the kids away from imaginative outdoor play and keeps them from fully interacting with other people.
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