| > but if you actually pay attention to what your child is doing, screens can be a powerful tool. I related elsewhere how my parents, long since passed away, read to me from physical books and encouraged my education. I don't have children, but I think you have hit the nail on the head; ultimately everything is just a tool - the important part is the parents interacting with their child's education, using the tools they have available. I have no doubt that had my mother had access to an ipad or whatever, that she would have used that as well to teach and encourage my learning. As it was, the only other media besides books was television - and so PBS and "Sesame Street" was on, and she'd watch it with me. But other shows she liked were also educational to an extent - such as game shows; Price is Right can teach a lot of things about money and counting, and Wheel of Fortune can teach words and letters. But it wasn't just plopping me down in front of the TV - she was there with me, asking me questions, teaching me how to figure out things on my own. Which is what you are also doing with your children, but using the tools that are available today; but I think even if you didn't have access to those tools, you'd still find a way to interact and teach your children, and that's the best thing they could ever have. They'll also remember it for life. |