Screen time...

In the past weeks, I've answered my share of emails and basic conversations regarding how much students will be using their iPads during the day, and then how much will they need them at night.  In September the New York times published an article about Steve Jobs and his family regarding screen time or tech use at home. Steve Jobs was a Low-Tech Parent

Multiple families sent me a copy of this article. It dawned on me that this is a very important parenting conversation.  While the journalist focused on the iPad, and the parents are sending me this article because of our iPad initiative, I wonder how much people monitor their kids screen time period. Over the weekend, everywhere I went, I saw children with their parents phones in the waiting room, using tablets in the car, even staring at the muted screen in the restaraunt.  So it really became clear. Do people monitor screen time?  All of it?

As a parent, my husband and I felt that it was important to limit our children's screen time.  Our children are not allowed to watch tv, play video games, play iPod / iPad games during the week.  This includes the use of Chrome books, tablets, laptops unless it's for academic reasons.  Since my son is in the 8th grade, he has many assignments that require internet access. We are also aware of where our children use their digital devices. They use them in the living room or dinning room, where we are in the evening.  Once academics are complete, the devices are turned off, and on the charger; ready for the next day.

Since we know how important it is for children to express themselves and be creative, we encourage our children to do just that every evening.   Our 6 year old, changes into costumes, redresses her dolls, combs hair, builds forts and tents, and delves into a world she creates on her own. My son plays the piano, sketches, reads, and sometimes, he helps his sister with her fort and tent building.   These are skills and life experiences that are important.

At dinner, there are no screens or phones.  We spend the time listening to each other. We try to catch up on our day.  Most of the time, we are retelling tall tales of past times.

As a parent I recognize that I need to put limitations on my kids, so that they can experience other things.  Shinny bells, and whistles impress the most jaded adult, let alone a naive child.  When I read the article about Steve Jobs, I thought wow, great parenting.  In the world we live in, it's imperative to stop, pause and allow time to be together, to relax, and to disconnect.

However, I'm aware of the 21st Century Skills my children will need to be successful in the future.  I'm also aware of the Common Core Standards and how it weaves technology into both the reading and math standards.  My kids attend Agassiz Elementary School.  They follow a rigorous curriculum that include the CCS and 21st Century Skills.  I'm aware of their technology initiatives, and I've seen how they've enhanced some of the learning experiences my children have had. I recognize that that is the role of the school.

In the end, it's about balance. Both home and school play an important role in the lives of our children.