Gaining A New Perspective

Perspective.

It’s not something you’re born with. It is, however, something gained the moment your child opens their eyes for the first time. And once again the first time they call you “mommy,” (or daddy), and again the second time and third time. When they get dribble (or worse) all over your shirt, and when they finally learn to use the toilet on their own. 

Parenthood is filled sappy (and sticky) moments just like those; and while they are all inherently different, they all share the ability to provide a parent with a new perspective: a fresh outlook on both your life and your child’s, which are now one in the same.

 

Last week, a filmmaker and father, Daniel Brace shared his newly gained perspective with the world. (Well, at least a half a million people as of Monday afternoon). Brace strapped a head-cam to his “darling 2 year old” daughter Olivia’s head to see the world through her eyes. The 3-minute video takes the viewer on a wild and exciting journey, capturing the triumphs and pitfalls of a game of “Hide and Seek” in their apartment. 

The video was the second of its kind. A few months ago a mother in Queens used an iPod touch to record afternoon adventures at Thomas P. Noonan Playground through the eyes of a 5 year old. The results are fun, adorable and a little shaky; reminding us all that the world looks a bit different when you are so very little! 

Do you use technology in a fun way with your child? (Besides letting them play Angry Birds on your iPhone…everyone does that)

A Plea for Pads

Listen: Kids love iPads. They love them as much as you do, probably more. There’s something about the crisp display, bright colors, interactive touch screen and quirky noises that kids are infectiously drawn to. There have been well-documented critiques of the idea of children being exposed to technology at too young an age (many of which are unfounded), but educational programming diminishing on the tube these days, perhaps a tablet isn’t all that bad. That is, as long as you are doing it with your child, or at least moderating their use. (Disclaimer: We are not endorsing the iPad as a substitute for a babysitter!)

But educational apps that work with your child allow him/her to interact with the program as it guides, helps and corrects them, exercising and developing their cognitive function and improving response time. (The speed of the iPad forces your brain to think pretty quickly) Secondly, the iPad allows interactive storytelling, which keeps your child more engaged than he/she would be with say, a traditional book. Take for example this Parenting.com endorsed Pat the Bunny interactive book app. They took a classic children's book and made it more interactive and fun for you and your kid to explore and enjoy together!

Technology changes as often as the weather, and the past few years have proven that tablets are the future. If this is potentially the way in which your child will be communicating later in their life, why fight their early adoption of it. Your child will love you for it and you will be impressed with how quickly they are able to grasp it. There's something about the interface that is just so intuitive.

Take the video below for example, of a very cute 2 -year-old Bridger who is not only learning on and loving his iPad, but also interacting with his father. He is using educational programs that are developing his memory, creativity and responsiveness. A relationship with technology like this is not only going to aid Bridger’s cognitive development but also his relationship with whomever he bonds with while he's using the iPad. After all, since when is spending time with your kid a bad thing. 

So why not let your child embrace technology-as long as you’re there to moderate their engagement (set up some guidelines first) and more importantly bond with them, by being along with them the whole way. Enjoy!