Raising kids the low-tech way

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

Why are you here on screens if you don't believe in it? Set a good example and do zero tech.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

PP here. A fair point. We really got the iPads to make travel easier for ourselves but obviously that’s not the best reason. Honestly, I figured the usage was so limited it was ok to be a little selfish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

This is silly. She probably borrows one from someone next to her.

Who does? These are young kids and I’m sure kids with iPads only have the one. My point is you can get away with not bringing electronics with you at these young ages. I’m sure once you start by giving a two year old an iPad while you’re shopping it will be tough going back. It will be tough to tear them away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

PP here. A fair point. We really got the iPads to make travel easier for ourselves but obviously that’s not the best reason. Honestly, I figured the usage was so limited it was ok to be a little selfish.

I get it. The problem is once they have a little taste of it they don’t want to let go. It sucks

[Anonymous]

We are low screen not no screen and I really think a flight is a great time for a movie or television show, and it’s fine to watch it on an iPad. I get motion sickness and all I want to do is just be distracted and I don’t think a few hours in one very specific scenario is going to create a screen addiction. That’s just silly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are they in school yet? Screens are ubiquitous - and wait until MS and HS- all homework is done on the computer

One can opt out of that.

No, they cannot.

Yes they can. Learn something silly.

In some districts you really can't, Ours went paperless last year so we switched to homeschooling.

Religious exemptions. If they refuse, sue, and kids become independently wealthy trust-fund kids.

And receive zero teacher recommendations, grades posted even later than they are on laptops, etc.


Yes it sucks. Either homeschool, find a no screens private, or suck it up.

For what? Who cares?

If you read the whole trail MS and HS were reference above the comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

Why are you here on screens if you don't believe in it? Set a good example and do zero tech.

Read more carefully. This was just about traveling. When you’re out and about there are people to talk to things to look at we don’t need them. We have video games and iPads at home when there’s nothing to do but we just bring them when we are going somewhere.

Plus what do I as a grown up have to do with with a six year old.? Different stages of development.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are they in school yet? Screens are ubiquitous - and wait until MS and HS- all homework is done on the computer

One can opt out of that.

No, they cannot.

Yes they can. Learn something silly.

In some districts you really can't, Ours went paperless last year so we switched to homeschooling.

Religious exemptions. If they refuse, sue, and kids become independently wealthy trust-fund kids.

What religion mentions in their readings that children are not allowed to use current technology?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are they in school yet? Screens are ubiquitous - and wait until MS and HS- all homework is done on the computer

One can opt out of that.

No, they cannot.

Yes they can. Learn something silly.

In some districts you really can't, Ours went paperless last year so we switched to homeschooling.

Religious exemptions. If they refuse, sue, and kids become independently wealthy trust-fund kids.

What religion mentions in their readings that children are not allowed to use current technology?

Aren't the Amish like this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are they in school yet? Screens are ubiquitous - and wait until MS and HS- all homework is done on the computer

One can opt out of that.

No, they cannot.

Yes they can. Learn something silly.

In some districts you really can't, Ours went paperless last year so we switched to homeschooling.

Religious exemptions. If they refuse, sue, and kids become independently wealthy trust-fund kids.

What religion mentions in their readings that children are not allowed to use current technology?

Aren't the Amish like this?

They are. Most Amish also don't allow their kids to be educated past 8th grade, so they get religious exemptions for lack of high school attendance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are they in school yet? Screens are ubiquitous - and wait until MS and HS- all homework is done on the computer

One can opt out of that.

No, they cannot.

Yes they can. Learn something silly.

In some districts you really can't, Ours went paperless last year so we switched to homeschooling.

Religious exemptions. If they refuse, sue, and kids become independently wealthy trust-fund kids.

What religion mentions in their readings that children are not allowed to use current technology?

Aren't the Amish like this?

. Yes but they aren’t in public school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

Why are you here on screens if you don't believe in it? Set a good example and do zero tech.

Read more carefully. This was just about traveling. When you’re out and about there are people to talk to things to look at we don’t need them. We have video games and iPads at home when there’s nothing to do but we just bring them when we are going somewhere.

Plus what do I as a grown up have to do with with a six year old.? Different stages of development.

There are lots of reasons to bring them out. The comments are silly especially when your kids have them and you are here. I have no issue giving kids an iPad on a plane or restaurant so we can talk and relax. We don’t use babysitters.

As an adult set a good example.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

Why are you here on screens if you don't believe in it? Set a good example and do zero tech.

Read more carefully. This was just about traveling. When you’re out and about there are people to talk to things to look at we don’t need them. We have video games and iPads at home when there’s nothing to do but we just bring them when we are going somewhere.

Plus what do I as a grown up have to do with with a six year old.? Different stages of development.

This is bonkers and totally backwards to me. No screens on an airplane because there are people to talk to and things to look at? For hours stuck on an airplane?!? But you have video games and iPads at home when there’s “nothing to do?” Play, run around, dig in the dirt outside, help mom with a chore, play more, have a friend over, color…

We are very low screens - we let them use our old iPads/kindles on airplane for about half the flight, and we let them watch a ton of TV when they (or we!) are sick. But day-to-day - no screens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

Why are you here on screens if you don't believe in it? Set a good example and do zero tech.

Read more carefully. This was just about traveling. When you’re out and about there are people to talk to things to look at we don’t need them. We have video games and iPads at home when there’s nothing to do but we just bring them when we are going somewhere.

Plus what do I as a grown up have to do with with a six year old.? Different stages of development.

This is bonkers and totally backwards to me. No screens on an airplane because there are people to talk to and things to look at? For hours stuck on an airplane?!? But you have video games and iPads at home when there’s “nothing to do?” Play, run around, dig in the dirt outside, help mom with a chore, play more, have a friend over, color…

We are very low screens - we let them use our old iPads/kindles on airplane for about half the flight, and we let them watch a ton of TV when they (or we!) are sick. But day-to-day - no screens.

Agreed. We don't do screens day to day, but if there's a screen in the backseat of the airplane, sure, 8 year old, watch a movie. At home there are always things to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can’t access the article, but I’m trying to raise my kids similar how I was raised- I don’t restrict tv. We have iPads that only come out for long drives (3-4+ hours), plane travel, or if a kid is sick and needs to be confined to their room. My oldest is 7 and so far I’ve been able to avoid buying video games, though that’s getting harder as my son grows.

My 7 year old does have some homework on the iPad a couple of times a week, so it’s a bit unavoidable but I’m ok with it for schoolwork.

Now I need to work on my using my own home around the kids.

I am firmly against kids having access to iPads and iPhones.

Why do they need iPads for long drives or plane travels? I don’t restrict TV either but we don’t use iPads or computer games in the car or plane. My 10 year old has been taking a four hour flight about twice a year as an unaccompanied minor since she was seven years old. And before that she’s been flying with family. I’m not anti-tech in school but there’s no reason to use iPads when traveling. At the airport there are so many little kids with iPads. They aren’t present to where they are or what they’re doing because their eyes never leave the screen.

We packed an activity set for the plane when she started flying alone. The first time I asked her if there were other kids sitting next to her. She said yes, a 9 year old but she was on her phone the whole flight. It was a missed opportunity for two kids to get to know each other, to talk about their trips.

We don’t use iPads on long car rides either. You have a captive audience with your young kids to play games, listen to music together and just talk. With iPads they probably don’t even look out the windows.

I don’t have a problem with teens having a phone with travel but under the age of 13 there’s no reason to have screens while traveling.

Why are you here on screens if you don't believe in it? Set a good example and do zero tech.

Read more carefully. This was just about traveling. When you’re out and about there are people to talk to things to look at we don’t need them. We have video games and iPads at home when there’s nothing to do but we just bring them when we are going somewhere.

Plus what do I as a grown up have to do with with a six year old.? Different stages of development.

This is bonkers and totally backwards to me. No screens on an airplane because there are people to talk to and things to look at? For hours stuck on an airplane?!? But you have video games and iPads at home when there’s “nothing to do?” Play, run around, dig in the dirt outside, help mom with a chore, play more, have a friend over, color…

We are very low screens - we let them use our old iPads/kindles on airplane for about half the flight, and we let them watch a ton of TV when they (or we!) are sick. But day-to-day - no screens.

You’re not low screen if you bring out the iPads in public. It’s a valid choice but it’s not what legitimately low screen families do. Once those three year olds get a taste of carrying around a TV / Video games component around with them they are hooked. It’s a habit.

We have every video game console made but only my son plays. We have iPads and TVs, IPhones, Spotify. We aren’t low tech. After a long day there’s nothing wrong with relaxing with video games or a movie.

I don’t think it’s a great idea to bring iPads out to keep young kids quiet. For example if you have a couple of two year olds at the airport waiting an hour to board. One is sitting quietly transfixed on a video. The other one is walking around with their mom. People are smiling at her, saying hi, communicating with her. A two year old is at the very beginning of learning how to handle herself in public. Communicating and interacting with people helps self esteem and confidence.

Too many very young children have iPads wherever they go. To the mall, restaurants, for a walk, even the beach. It’s not doing those kids any favors.

I don’t have a problem with teenagers bringing their electronics