When I was a child, I would get put in the corner when I was bold, not get my Ipad taken away. I didn't have a cellphone, and when I had computer privileges, I would use them to play Leapfrog. I didn't play video games, or take selfies, or get recorded on Snapchat with a dog filter. When I was a kid, I got punished and I lost privileges that taught me a lesson, not privileges that took away my internet access. In modern day, what exactly is a kid?
I am an avid user of social media, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, you name it- but, I am no longer a child, although my parents may argue that. Yes, I am still a kid to my elders, but I already lived my childhood; I played on the playground and I read books to my grandparents and I watched Spongebob with my dad. Kids aren't kids anymore because they can't value the little things as much as the generations prior were able to. Years ago telephones didn't exist, our great great grandparents bought milk from a truck with their pocket change, and if they wanted to visit with their friends, they'd walk to their house and knock on the door! Crazy, I know. They weren't able to spend twenty minutes in the shower, or watch TV when they got home from school, they didn't have Ugg boots or North Face jackets to show off to their friends- as children, they had the bare minimum and they were more than thankful.
They're asking for Wifi passwords and watching makeup tutorials on Youtube. They won't have Polaroid pictures from when they were young, only Facebook pictures- if that is still around when they're grown up. Times have changed, I just hope that kids in modern day are able to enjoy everything that I was able to enjoy. I hope kids want to go throw a baseball with their dad more than they want to play Call of Duty, and they want their Moms' grilled cheese more than a Big Mac. I miss being a little kid, and getting to take naps and not having to make my own food- I miss what I had back then.
Today, kids are surrounded by politics, and selfies, and not enough by the things that really matter. Technology has taken over, it has absorbed most if not all of our attention and takes it away from the little ones who will pick up on this behavior. Kids see these things, they watch you on your phone, or laptop and they will soon start to do the same things. Now, I'm not saying that technology shouldn't be introduced to them, because it is a major part of the present and future, but limit it. Make sure they know how to make a fort out of couch pillows, and that they catch their first fish even if they only reel in seaweed- help them know the beauty of the things you grew up doing.
If you get the chance, bring your kids fishing, and to the park, and to the Drive-Ins- let them experience what we got to experience. Don't let what we know as a true childhood become history, build forts with them, and climb trees and make mud-pies. Technology is taking over. Help them live, before they grow up. Adolescence is special, and should be cherished. It doesn't last forever, although I wish it did.
