In the past, raising kids was much different than it is today. Nowadays, kids are constantly bombarded with new video games and electronic devices on a daily basis. Kids learn how to play with iPhones before they’re even a year old.
Older kids learn how to play a Nintendo DS and do so regularly instead of doing their homework. Does any good come out of allowing your kids to be consumed by media? Should parents strive to go back to a simpler time? Here are some benefits that you might not have thought of:
Develop Hand-Eye Coordination
One of the benefits that comes with allowing your kids to play video games and use electronic devices is that it can teach them hand-eye coordination. When they can control their fingers to touch a little button on a screen at a precise moment, it really can develop their motor skills. This can make them better at sports and a lot of other things in life.
Help Them in Future Careers
Learning how to use technology at a young age can actually help your children in future careers. When kids become comfortable with all kinds of technology, they will be much better at it by the time they become teenagers and adults.
If they know how to do technological things, this could eventually turn into a career for them. They may become a computer programmer, a Web designer, or a technical support representative.
Getting Out and Doing Things
Although letting your kids get used to technology is not all bad, there are definitely some downsides to it. In most cases, making your kids get out and play can do them much more good than simply throwing a handheld gaming system in front of them.
Let them learn about English saddles from Mary’s Tack and teach them to ride a horse. Show them how to play basketball or sign them up for Little League. When your kids learn to balance video games and electronics with other aspects of life, they will be much more well-rounded and have a better understanding of how to succeed in life.
Playing video games, using smart phones, and doing other things with electronic devices is not inherently bad. However, when you allow it to take up the majority of your child’s time, it can definitely be bad. As a parent, it’s your job to tell them when to turn off the TV and head outside for a few hours.
*This is sponsored post.
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for your sweet comment on my post today — I appreciate it! <3
It's a slippery slope with the technology thing. Logan is only 3, so I haven't had to deal with it TOO much, but in no way do I want him to be a "video game kid". You know, one of the kids that would rather pick up a controller rather than a baseball bat? 😉 Although, I do let him play some preschool type learning games on the computer and my phone — and it seems that he learns a lot from them! I think it's all about finding the right balance. Thanks for the info! 🙂
Amen to this post! There are definite upsides to technology…but definite downsides too. And the value of just letting kids play sans technology cannot be overstated! Great post 🙂