[mowfask]

One thing about this whole discussion really bugs me:

Everyone is just talking about how to keep the children occupied with technology. I really think this is the wrong approach, there is so much more to learn and explore than stupid pixels on a screen.

When we were young my parents had the attitude that it's very important to get a "feel for the earth", in a very literal way. That's why we spend as much time outside as possible. One of the few things I remember about primary school: I was the only one who knew potatoes grow below ground. Where has this world come, that our children know so little about even the most basic stuff??

[DanBC]

Children use huge amounts of time.

It might sound like parents are spending all this time dumping a child in front of a screen but really this time is quite short compared to the rest of the time that's available.

Gardening is another great activity. Start with cress, then herbs and vegetables in window boxes.

[mowfask]

In my opinion "dumping a child in front of a screen" should really be the last option; only used with a good excuse and balanced by extensive investment of time. (It's of course easy for me to talk like that, but I see one of the greatest responsibilities of live in raising your children properly. Which for me includes spending a whole lot of time with them.)

[bliker]

Situations like that are very sad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v...

[bluehex]

It really is. I'm wondering if there may be another American epidemic at play here as well, which is the "it's cool to be stupid" phenomenon. I actually don't know around what age this starts happening but I definitely remember being hesitant to give the right answer as a kid as the other kids would make fun of me for being a nerd or what have you.