I’m sure I’m not alone in questioning whether my kids are missing out on childhood. Do I wish they had the childhood I had? Despite growing up in a developing country, I was fortunate to have a carefree childhood and never went without. Due to advances in technology, kids have more access now to gadgets and information which simply was not available or possible when I was young. Living standards have also improved considerably, so its easy to assume that life is better than ever for our children.
Research undertaken recently by My Voucher Codes says that 32% of parents worry that their children rely on technology too much. Other surveys have also shown that parents are concerned that their children are growing up too quickly due to technology.
Looking around online, the question of whether kids are missing out on childhood is a common one and that many parents wish their children had the same upbringing as them. For me, the reality of the answer to the question comes down to the responsibility of parents in guiding children when it comes to technology and gadgets, an opinion also shared by Working Mother. Yes, things may have seemed less complicated when I was growing up and it was perhaps a time when everyone had more time for each other. We didn’t have any where near the amount of technology available, but despite this I have always embraced new technology as long as there are limits in place.
I wrote some time back about the need to disconnect once in a while, but when it comes to your kids its more important than ever that boundaries are in place. My two girls are still quite young (1 and 6), so its been fairly easy to manage this so far. There are some great tools out there which can help you with this such as the wonderful HomeHalo Parental Internet Control System which we reviewed last year.
To summarise, I’m taking the optimistic view that my kids will have a better childhood than me, particularly when it comes to technology and gadgets. It’s just down to us to make sure that this is balanced.
Do you think kids are missing out on the childhood you had? Please leave a comment as I would love to know what you think.
*Disclosure: this is collaborative post
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Franca 💋
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It’s so hard not to use technology in parenting. Before my children were born I was sure I would never be “One of those mothers” but I am, I do use the television to distract my toddler while I load the washing machine. I give him my mobile phone to play games on so I can get an extra 10 minutes in bed in the morning and he even has one of those damn Scout toys that knows his name…but he plays outside, he paints and plays with playdoh and he reads books. Although technology has advanced further in our generation we face the same issues as our parents and grandparents did…..”Back in our day….[insert general comment here!] xx x
It’s definitely about finding the right balance I think. I am a big advocate of kids playing with actual toys and getting time outside just like I did when I was younger. But Olivia does have her own phone, laptop and ipod but she is just as happy without them and I don’t usually have to limit her with them unless it’s before school! xx
I think it’s like most things with children, you need to set boundaries and have a balance. Using technology is great and also a skill worth learning but I still want my little boy to read books and play outdoors X
#KCACOLS
I do think things are very different now. My childhood was full of playing pompom and kerby in our village, we were out till dark when Mums would then come to the door and yell at us to come in. It was so carefree and I didn’t even have a computer or anything like that. I know Joshs upbringing is going to be so different but I am going to do my best to make it as fun as possible. I don’t want him relying on the ipad and laptop for entertainment xx #KCACOLS
I try to give my children the chance to do as I did as a child. If they weather is good they are outside in the garden. They do watch tele most evenings but I very rarely charge their tabs so they can’t use them #KCACOLS
my son isn’t overly fussed the ipad at the mo. he prefers to be out and about. or he does like some paw patrol for a bit of down time. it is all about getting the right balance I think #kcacols
My son is only 13 months so technology isn’t a big part of his life yet. I hope that we will be able to give him a good balance of outdoor play (which he already loves) and embracing technology. Both me and my husband use mobiles and laptops a lot so there will be no avoiding it but everything in moderation!
It’s strange because as a child growing up my memories are all about being outside and running free. My kids won’t have this so much because times are so different. Their lives are enriched by the technology that we never had but I don’t want them to be enslaved to it. #KCACOLS x
I think it is definitely down to parental responsibility and a balance. Children need to be familiar with technology as they are growing up in a world that revolves around it. I do think it is a shame that they generally seem to spend less time outdoors which is why I try to encourage mine to do lots of things in the garden etc. I spent so much time ‘playing out’ when I was a child which I think had a lot of benefits. #KCACOLS
It’s a bit of a tough one really. I do wish my girls had the same childhood as me. But then on the other hand, technology is what it is these days now. I would rather them learn from the age they are now and grow up, instead of being behind on the tech as they grow older. I do make sure they only have a certain amount of time on the iPad and some days they go without as I do prefer them going out or playing inside
#KCACOLS
As long as you get the balance right then I think it’s ok. At the moment Clem is a bit young and whilst she does like to watch tv/use the ipad for peppa or bing she is a complete outdoors child. She loves nothing more than running around the park or playing on a slide. We are quite a tech-y family and personally I am excited to see how the technologyy will change as she gets older. #KCACOLS
in the nicer drier weather I find my kids need less encouragement to ‘unplug’ and enjoy simple childhood pleasures like just enjoying the garden or the park. that said I do try to use screen time as a reward and set time limits. great post x #KCACOLS
I’ve been wondering about this lately myself, i dont think theyre missing out – I think childhood and life in general evolves from generation to generation – I remember my parents telling me that I was missing out on the childhood they’d known because we weren’t allowed to wander around without fear like they were! I’m very tempted to try some of my favourite childhood activities with my kids though, to see how they stand the test of time! #KCACOLS
I think sometimes my son is missing out on what we had and did.
Although we play board games, read and have no-screen time, I do wish that sometimes he would want to play outside rather than on his DS,. That said, during the better weather he needs no encouragement 🙂
Laura xx
#KCACOLS
I had a wonderful carefree childhood in the 1970s. The kids cant believe we had such a great time with no computers, 3 channels on the TV and no computer games. We just played in the field or played ball games or hide and seek.
We try to get out as much as possible as a family and limit electronics but I know that if the girls are on an ipad, they happily leave it if we are offering them quality time with us or going out as a family. It is all about boundaries and balance. #FOrtheloveofblog
I mean #KCACOLS! SOrry Franca, I have my linkies in a twist tonight 😉
I do worry they are missing out & have a similar post in my drafts. Unfortunately kids can’t play out like they dI’d years ago. My 2 children use tablets alot but don’t watch much tellyou so I figure it balances out. I always encourage playing in the garden & we have a huge trampoline they use often. It is tricky. #kcacols lifeinthemumslane
I was only talking to my mu, about this and she reassured me that it’s different times now. It’s all about balance but you can’t deny that kids are going to go up with technology all around the pa and that they will need it. #kcacols
It’s definitely all about balance. Mine use the tablet but prefer to play in the garden, they watch telly but they also love playing with Lego! As long as they’re not just doing one thing, I think it’s fine! I remember having hours of fun with my little Munchman arcade game and I view the time my kids play games on the iPad the same way. They’re unwinding. They don’t just do that but it’s fun! This of course might all change as they get older but for now, it’s OK. #KCACOLS
I think providing the right balance is important. When I was a kid I watched a fair bit of tv and I turned out ok (I think 😉 I do try and limit my son’s screen time so that he’s not always in front of the tv or iPad and spends lots of time outside being active and engaging in imaginative play. #KCACOLS
I was just thinking about this the other day as we were driving a couple of hours across country and both the kids had their heads stuck in screens. When I was a kid we used to drive from the North East of England to the south of france with nothing in the back to entertain us but my dads terrible singing! #KCACOLS
I totally agree, our children are in such a privileged position these days in terms of technology. It’s just up to us as parents to make sure their life experiences are as balanced as can be.
#KCACOLS
I think getting the right balance is definitely going to be the challenge – particularly as they get older and more independent with their gadget! So far we are low tech and happy doing tradition childhood things (my son is only nearly three) but I imagine that will change VERY soon. Definitely a thought provoking one xx #KCACOLS
I think its easy to say its ‘missing out’ but its not really is it? they are none the wiser. Just because we didn’t have what they have now doesn’t mean they are missing out, its just different. Your right though, balance is key.. my kids spend ages glued to their Apple products but they also still go outside and play and see friends etc.. they think its great, they are more than happy, and although the teen might moan she doesn’t have that much freedom (whereas I did) its simply because it IS a different time. I think as long as your trying to be a good parent and your kids are happy and balanced then thats all that matters 🙂 #kcacols
As a mom I really love your balanced viewpoint, it is so true our childhood is so much different then our children’s now. Finding balance is key! #kcacols