The Techno Generation

Everywhere we turn, we see technology. Isn't it a wonderful thing? Not if it cuts in on family time. A gadget is a gadget - an object that human beings have control over. Turn it the other way around and the slave becomes a master. From interactive social websites to mobile DVD players, the fun is too much to handle, and there will be more to come. As it is, you see these gadgets inching their way in at dinner tables and family discussion especially during festive gatherings. If an adult can get absorbed into that lifestyle, a child can get completely lost - if parents allow it. What happens when modern gadgets get in the way of family and social interaction? Communication breakdown. Shot of sending children messages via SMS or Facebook (read: 'Dinner's ready!' or 'Have you done your homework?') parents can try to pry their children out of their chairs and talk to them face to face in real time too. Or, they could analyze the situation and see what could be salvaged from a habit left too long. It is easy to accuse technology of turning our children into antisocial creatures, but it is the inability to cope with technology that is the problem. With children, parents need to have proper boundaries for behavior. So, it is important to take the time to talk to the child who is absorbed in gadgetry. It is more than just the advancement of technology that we are looking at. Objects don't make us do bad things but we can do bad things with objects. Television, laptops, DVDs, Mp3 players, portable video games, hand phones and Internet - all these can help in enhancing our lives, but when used right! The key word is 'right'. The moment we allow machines or any other none living thing to rule our lives, we stop living life humanly and humanely. Our children look to adults as examples. Many parents substitute their time with 'babysitting' devices. As children grow, they will apply the same things they have grown accustomed to. Perhaps in our old age, they will rely on fancy gadgets to take care of us well. So it is important to start laying down the rules from when children are young. We can allow them to use gadgets, but we must set boundaries and monitor usage. Children's gizmo addiction can cast a shadow on family communication. It is going to take time to get your children unhooked. Just like any addiction, it's a step by step process. A drastic strategy is to go 'cold turkey'. Take away electronic games and disconnect cables if you need to, but remember to replace these games and put in healthier alternatives. Let your children explore the alternatives that exist in the outside world, perhaps yoga, dance, drama or martial arts.