Looking back at your childhood, you recall images of summer break. Playing in a kiddie pool in the green grass, blowing bubbles, running through the sprinkler, making mud pies, building blanket forts. There was never a handheld device tempting you to reach for it instead of living in that moment.
That is the childhood many of us remember, and even those before us. It was not until handheld devices began stealing the attention of children and the adults around them that something started to change.
What really made a 90’s childhood what it was, was the simplicity of each day. Summers seemed to last forever. Now they fly by. While we live in an era with more convenience and comfort than ever before, we are wasting our time with activities that steal our attention and make the moments disappear into the abyss of a black screen.
There has never been another time in history where hours and hours could be spent on a phone, television, or other device in idle distraction.
Most of us are already aware of the negatives, so I do not think I need to focus much on them. The question is, how can we break away? How can we make a shift that is reasonable enough to continue long term?
One way is by bringing back an analog life. Use a paper calendar, an actual handheld calculator, a radio, a CD player, or a Walkman. Consider having a home phone line. This can encourage friendships because children have to actually talk to each other.
How many ways can you switch your activity from your phone to something you can use in real life?
I found a CD player/radio/tape player for five dollars, and the novelty of it has been so fun for my younger children. Now we are on a mission to find more CDs and tapes when we visit thrift stores. Or how about writing letters on a typewriter? It may be time to start looking for one at yard sales.
We also do not need to go above and beyond trying to create a “magical childhood.” There is already so much wonder in a long summer day spent playing in the backyard, searching for bugs, and climbing trees.
There is no need to spend large amounts of money taking children everywhere or buying the most impressive summer craft kits. There is no need to place a phone or tablet in a child’s hand so they stay quiet while sitting in an air conditioned room.
Childhood already holds its own joy and wonder without constant adult intervention.
The wonder of walking through a garden and observing bees, picking cherry tomatoes, and feeling the dirt under bare feet may become the memories that last a lifetime.
What do children need today? The same things they have always needed. Love. Friendship. Freedom to play and to learn through play. The freedom to be bored and explore the world around them.
We should not allow big technology to steal their formative years.