Technology

Faster than a mom in a juicebox-littered minivan, more complex than Dad's strategy for putting up his pull-up bar (that would be today's project),... technology has created a world of both wonder and worry for the typical family.

So... I have to admit - this new era of technology, especially all of the fun but readily available gadgets, kind of freaks me out. Not that I'm afraid to try it, nor do I believe there is no place for it, but I am afraid for this generation of kids (I have heard they're called the "millenians") from high school down to my sweet baby. Do they need to talk to a friend? Let's txt. Do they have a school concern? Let's email. Do they want to learn their ABCs? Let's use the App for that skill.

The following list is from my recent Parenting magazine on good guidelines to minimize technology and help this situation on the home front. I couldn't agree more!

• Treat your Facebook profile like the family home - safe and secure.


• A parental control does not double as Dad


• Create a family tech zone and tech-free zone (or my idea - try a weekly day!)


• You are the Superhero. Technology is the side-kick


• All devices should be treated equal


• Make eye contact, not iContact


• Establish electronic curfews, including adults

It's up to us, folks. Turn off the TVs and play legos. Get outside and draw on the driveway with chalk. Sing songs to a pretend microphone. Turn off your iPhone and iPod and iPad for dinnertime and cherish the memories. Make your kids talk to their teachers and not email them. And, remember, kids want to be like their parents - tune out and turn off.

Jason and I are both due for a phone upgrade and we have been procrastinating, knowing that we will likely bring home either an iPhone or Blackberry, just because that is the way the world is moving, but knowing that little gadget could have the potential to not only change both our lives but also the kiddos. For good and bad.

To me, this Facebook world and text-inducing dings can be scary. Do you respond and answer to your kids as quick as you reach to your phone to view the incoming text message? I try to but can fall victim to just that... Let's work on it, world (okay, the four of you that read this!).