by Tiffany Coley

Created on: October 22, 2007

We live in a high-tech age where it is possible to be plugged into several electronic devices simultaneously while working and for entertainment purposes. While we adults might be slow to admit that this constant exposure to technology may not be the most healthy way to live for ourselves, I think we can all agree that it is not healthy for children to be engaged in a constant stream of digital input and stimulus. For the sake of growing bodies and minds, the children of this modern age need parents to help them set limits and teach them how to balance their use of technology in everyday life.

Let us not forget that technology is a tool to help and enhance our lives by making tasks more convenient and enjoyable. We need not be slaves to our high tech gadgets. Learn to turn off cell phones, televisions, music players, video game players, and computers. All of these devices have an OFF button, all you have to do is press it. Set an example for kids and enforce "no tech" zones when they don't turn on their gadgets and you don't turn on yours, period. If you want to see your child back away from high tech toys you need to model this yourself. Children are experts at sniffing out hypocrisy. Be honest with yourself. If you think all the gizmos your child is attached to are affecting them adversely, chances are your life is being affected by this same problem. Don't let an addiction to technological doo-dads suck the soul out of your life. Turn off the "stuff" and recapture the joy of going outside, the peace of sitting in quiet, the satisfaction of taking a moment to really think or use your imagination, and the intimacy of having a conversation without distraction. Your child will imitate you if you take the initiative.

Human beings need to be out in fresh air, so take a trip to the park, the beach, the mountains, or just the backyard while enforcing a "no tech" zone. Human beings need to be able to communicate with one another, face to face and eye to eye, without chat rooms, text messages, or headsets. There should be mandatory "no tech" times of communication in place in a kids' life. No matter how great or necessary technology becomes, a person will always need to know how to communicate in a sincere and personal way. This skill is essential to a successful life. Human beings need to read good books, see beautiful paintings, hear inspiring music, and eat real food in order to nourish our souls. All too often kids read poorly written blogs, look at flashing video

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