Article from New York Times
Last week we talked about parenting. Parenting, to me is interesting to talk about. Parent's want to be described or viewed as "good" (above average) parents. Or at least I know I want to be an "awesome" mom someday. However, what does it mean to be a good mom? How do we define or characterize a good parent from a bad parent. Is there a defenitive line or is it more abstract?
We all have different views, "moral compasses", religious backgrounds, personalities, etc. that will define how each of us parent differently or what we view as acceptable/unacceptable parenting. I have conflicting views about the parenting style or lack there of in this article. The mother is struggling with her 6 yr. olds addiction to the ipad. To me the parent is the one that allowed the child to get "addicted" in the first place. It was probably used as a bribe to get the child to behave or quiet the child while mom or dad was having a conversation, out to dinner, etc. The mom says that the child wants the ipad whenever there is any down time during the day but thats not always what he gets. She said that his behavior is uncharacteristic of him when she tells him its time to put it down. And that he uses the ipad to play educational games. I've also seen/heard stories like this with video game consoles I think that the mother is contributing to the problem and possibly enabling that child further by allowing him to use the ipad IF HIS BEHAVIOR WORSENS when she takes it away. I would not allow my child to continue to use the ipad if he/she threw a tantrum everytime they were told it was time to put it up. I believe that his problem can be fixed and won't have an long term negative effects but I don't think it's the child's fault that he is "addicted" to an ipad.
On the other hand, the child is using the ipad for educational games that help develop creative thinking (especially in a 6 year old), story telling skills, and other cognitive skills. I think that using new technology to help advace a child's development is good however, only in moderation. So I am conflicted that the mom is using the ipad to calm the child down and that it has gotten to a level where the child acts uncharacteristically with it being taken away. However, when it is being used, its used in an appropriate way much like watching educational tv.
What is your opinion or view on this article or what I have said?
- Nicole A.
I agree with what you said and with several of the comments left on the article. It was hard for me to make my mind up one way or another about if allowing the child to use the iPad was good parenting or not. I am not a child psychologist or anything, but I think that as long as the child is using the iPad for educational or brain building games it is fine in moderation. The same goes for educational TV, unhealthy (or health!) food, toys, or anything else. I do think though that the parents should set strict restrictions on when the child is allowed to play with the iPad. Even if it does keep the child entertained for hours on end, he should be engaged in other activities as well.
ReplyDelete-Megan A.
I agree with Nicole. It is hard to determine what is "good" and "bad" parenting because everyone's life is so different and what works for one family may not work for another. I personally don't see anything wrong with the little boy playing on the iPad. My 5-year old nephew uses the computer and the Nintendo DS nearly every day and everything that he plays on them are educational like the woman's son. My nephew also becomes upset when the electronics are taken from him, but I think that a kid will be upset if you took anything away from them that they were playing with. I do think that these things like the iPad and gaming systems should be allowed in moderation, but I think they are harmless. It's like the woman was allowing her son to use the iPad all day and night. I don't think the little boy is addicted, I just think that he is being a little kid that doesn't want what he perceives to be his toy taken away.
ReplyDelete- Jalissa B.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone in that it is hard to determine what a "good" parent is. From the outside, I think that the mother should take the ipad away form the child. I don't see why it is that difficult to say no. However, I understand how hard it is to be a parent. Most parents hate seeing their child upset, and the mom of this child probably feels guilty for making him upset therefore won't take the ipad away. Also, I am sure it is just easier for the child to have to ipad. The mother is probably busy and doesn't want to hear him complain. It is hard to say if the mother is right or wrong in this situation. I can say she is wrong and that she should take the ipad away, but I could completely change my mind and I am an actual parent.
ReplyDelete-Mary Kate B.
I agree with the article. Every parenting style is different and certain occasions call for different methods. However, it's not acceptable to me to let a 6 year old throw tantrums when he doesn't get his ipad. The games may be educational but a parent can not let a young child be spoiled. I think it should be used more as a reward. I also don't understand what she means by "addicted". A lot of little children want things over and over again, but I don't know if that means he is "addicted". I guess I don't really understand what she means when he does act abnormally upset.
ReplyDelete~Sarah J.