Do you remember when you were a kid? I do because sometimes it feels like it was
just yesterday. I remember loving my paper and Barbie dolls; along with bike
riding in the summertime. I didn't watch an excessive amount of TV, and going to
the movies was a special occasion.

Now, I see such a different
environment available for our children. It is one filled with advantages that I
didn't have. But it is also an environment that concerns me a great deal. I see
a lot of the activities that are so prevalent among kids today being used as
babysitting tools. These activities do not encourage creativity,
self-confidence, or physical fitness. I battle this mentality in my own home as
well and it is such a struggle because it seems to be an "in your face" kind of
environment.

I am talking about the age of electronics. Computers,
Nintento, TV, Movies, Sega, Gameboy, etc. I don't feel any of these activities
are harmful in and of themselves. But it is when they are fed to children in
excess that I get concerned. 

We found in our house that making a
rule of no television (without us knowing the program and its content including
the news) makes for a happier and less fearful child. You need to be careful
because children can get so addictive at young ages!

In my opinion, the
healthiest electronic to be introduced into our homes is the computer. It is so
fun to discover all the information and capabilities that it is capable of
bringing you. Again though, children need supervision, boundaries, and rules.
There is so much to see and do in the real world that when I have witnessed
excessive electronic use, I see children get bored more easily and use less
creativity. I find that to be very sad.

Although electronics can be used
for a lot of good things, they can also be a real detriment to childhood growth
mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. We need to find just the right balance
for our kids.

I would like to try very hard to limit the intake of
electronics into my children's hearts, souls and minds. I want them to be
healthy, creative, wise, full of energy, and well-rounded. I am not going to
take away this advantage they have over my generation, but try to balance it,
monitor it, and then relax and enjoy it with them because I value who they are
and who they will be when they grow up. Won't you join me?