Parenting Insights
“Alright, everyone. I’ve already said no more videos. Step away from the screen.”
I marched towards the familiar forms hunched over the sofa, their heads close to the glowing display of the iPad, which was encased in a comically bright protective cover. As I reached for the device, my oldest son recoiled, looking a bit sheepish. They weren’t watching PBS Kids or Elmo’s ABCs; instead, they were tuned into Pandora.
“I just wanted to find out who’s singing, Mom.”
“Oh,” I sighed, my frustration immediately deflated. As someone who has a deep passion for music, I was already patting myself on the back for nurturing this interest in my child. I struggled to keep my irritation intact. “I still think you’ve had enough time on the iPad.”
“Can I use your phone then?” he asked.
“For what purpose?”
“To make a video.”
“But my phone is almost out of memory, and I still need it.”
“Just one more, please. I promise!”
That would give me just enough time to craft a clever post about raising a music lover. “Alright, go ahead.”
As I tried to reclaim the iPad from my youngest, who was using it as a teething toy, my eldest returned a few minutes later, looking flushed and excited. “Do you want to see it?” he asked sweetly. “Sure, show me your masterpiece.” I took a sip of watered-down juice from the toddler’s sippy cup. “Let’s find a cooler spot.”
We settled in front of the air conditioner, and I hit play. A blue digital display filled the screen. “Is this a clock?” I inquired, puzzled.
“It’s the radio, Mom,” he exclaimed, fists clenched in excitement.
“You recorded a four-minute video of the clock on the radio? No wonder my phone is so slow!” My indignation was creeping back.
“Just listen, Mom.”
I turned the volume up and stepped away from the air conditioner’s noise. I could barely hear the faint thumping bass. “It’s our song,” he declared proudly.
In that moment, I realized this was as close as my children would get to the nostalgic experience of lying on a shag carpet in a basement, surrounded by vinyl records and a portable turntable. They would never know the thrill of waiting by the radio, finger poised over the record button, hoping to capture their favorite song. They wouldn’t experience the joy of flipping through liner notes.
Pondering this realization, I, the enforcer of screen time rules, decided to change my approach. I led my son back to the living room and the now well-used iPad, kneeling down, brushing crumbs from the sofa. “New family rule: If you’re listening to music, not watching videos, you can use the iPad without asking.”
I took the iPad and unlocked the screen. “Let’s find out who’s singing, kiddo. It sounds like a band I used to love.” My excitement was quickly dashed.
“No, Mom. You’re wrong,” he corrected me, pointing at the album cover.
“Wait, do they still call them album covers?” I thought. “No, Mom. That’s Mickey Mouse singing,” he insisted.
While it was amusing to envision playing that particular song at his wedding someday, I was eager to explore a wider musical landscape with my children, regardless of the medium.
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In summary, as I navigate the balance between technology and nurturing a love for music in my children, I recognize the importance of allowing them some freedom while ensuring they are engaged with enriching content. Through this journey, I hope to cultivate an appreciation that transcends the limitations of modern media.
Keyphrase: parenting and technology balance
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