Technology and Parenting. (pacifier, parents, children, 3 year old)
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I think you know the answer to that question. Technology is not supposed to be a pacifier. It cannot replace actual, real parenting.
Parents who default to technology to shut up their child, if that is what they are doing, are afraid of the confrontation and consequences of taking a stand, when that actually is part of their job as a parent.
Kids AND adults sometimes have to be reminded to use their imaginations instead of letting their brains be entertained with screen time.
I think its good to give children plenty of opportunities to be bored so they can figure out how to entertain themselves but also there are occasions when using technology to "pacify" them might be a good option too.
Recently we had a 13 hour drive and my 3 year old was sat in the back of the motorhome (RV) all by herself the entire journey with only a few books and teddies to occupy her - it was amazing seeing what her imagination could come up with during that journey! The only times she fussed that entire time was when she was hungry or thirsty or needed the loo. Comparing that to the previous journey when my parents were sat in the back with her and she fussed and demanded entertainment the whole time, I can definitely see the benefits of boredom and being left alone.
You are talking about a sliver of time. If a parent only ever consoled a child by passing the iPad I'd say you may have a point, but I doubt any parent does that 100% of the time.
I think you know the answer to that question. Technology is not supposed to be a pacifier. It cannot replace actual, real parenting.
Parents who default to technology to shut up their child, if that is what they are doing, are afraid of the confrontation and consequences of taking a stand, when that actually is part of their job as a parent.
Kids AND adults sometimes have to be reminded to use their imaginations instead of letting their brains be entertained with screen time.
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