The world is a tricky place for adults, even when there’s not a pandemic. I get exhausted (physically or mentally) and just need to zone out. While I know it’s not the most productive use of my time, I give myself a pass to stare at Netflix or my Nintendo Switch at night.
So why is it that I feel bad about letting my kid “zone out” in front of the iPad occasionally? Why does it feel weird to tell other parents that he can control an iPad, or use a trackpad? These are valuable skills in a human in 2020.
Or, despite being unbelievably proud of his ability to do so, why do I always feel a little awkward telling my friends that he’s beaten Super Mario Odyssey?
I’d rather my kid watch a show on PBS than a show on Amazon, Netflix or cable. At least I know I won’t need to screen it beforehand, and it’s educational in one way or another.
I’d rather my kid watch a space shuttle launch on Youtube than a cartoon on PBS. This may let us have a conversation about space and rockets and science using real life examples and the ability to go deeper if we want to.
I’d rather my kid play Super Mario Odyssey than watch most videos on Youtube. Nobody would argue that good hand-eye coordination and logic that are valuable tools to strengthen early.
I’d almost always rather my kid play outside with his friends than look at a screen, but in a world where screens are ubiquitous and information is infinite, we shouldn’t be so definite on the idea of screen time always being “bad”.
Everyone, regardless of age, sometimes just need to chill out. Why do we think it’s easier for a kid to be able to understand and interpret everything?
ps: if you like space stuff, listen to the 13 Minutes to the Moon podcast