So, yesterday I took my kids to McDonald's. Yes. We go to McDonald's. Not every day, but once in a while. It's a treat. And, really, who doesn't love a Big Mac on occassion? Moderation, people.
Alas, I digress.
There we were, enjoying our salty fries and other deep fried goodness, when I noticed a family sitting close by. Mom on her iPhone, kid one on an iTouch (with headphones on) and kid two on an iTouch (also with headphones on). There they were, eating their food, playing their games and uttering not a single word to one another. I'd never seen anything like it. And I could feel a little judgement of my own rising within.
Yeah, my kids watch TV. They play on our iPad every so often, and they do enjoy a go on the Wii (as does my "big child"). But, for the most part, I try to discourage electronics as "go to" play.
My son developed a bit of an addiction to playing with our iPhones. It got so bad that he would sneak into our room in the morning, find a phone and hide with it. We put an end to that pretty quick. I even made a pact with myself for the summer. If it's nice outside -- out they will go. Totally genius, right? Play in the back yard, build forts, catch caterpillars, dig holes -- and don't come in unless you're bleeding or it's lunchtime.
Back to the iFamily. When they were finished eating, iMom cleared up as the two iKids kept playing. Then, when it was time to leave, out they paraded...all still glued to their devices.
"That can't be healthy," I thought...as I encouraged my four-year-old to finish his McNuggets...