by mark on May 17, 2009
Who do you think has anxiety the most from kids having to unplug from their devices when they go to summer camp for two weeks? The kids? Or Mom or Dad?
In some cases, both.
Having gone through an Internet connectivity outage that went on for over twenty four hours, I can understand what it is like to feel unable to communicate via email, keep up with the outside world, and get work done. I work from home. So my Internet connection is important to me. I experienced significant frustration, a feeling of helplessness, perhaps some anxiety. But within a few hours, I realized that I would survive and that my connectivity would be restored at some point, and then I was able to move on to enjoy my forced vacation from being online.
Sounds like the kids who experienced the forced disconnection from tech at summer camp go through the same thing. But they do survive and quickly find out that their time can be filled with enjoyable things to do with other people. And many find that they even don’t miss their connectivity.
But the helicopter parents mentioned in the article appear to be the most anxious ones. Gasp! They can’t be in constant contact with their kids! And what is their reaction? Fear! The idea that their kids can’t pick up after a couple of rings to reassure them that they are safe makes Mom really uneasy… Does Mom resolve to let go and just get a grip? No. Instead she reassures herself that she can bug the camp counselors frequently to check in on her kid.
And what do the camp counselors have to do to fend off the barrage of worrisome parents constantly calling? They have to reassure parents that their kids are still alive by posting photos of them on an online gallery. Oh brother.
When I was a kid, my parents dropped me off for two weeks at camp, and then hopped on a ship to the Bahamas for at least a week if not longer. There was no way that either of us could get in touch with each other even if there was some kind of emergency. Maybe some kind of telegram could have been sent to let them know that I was eaten by a bear. But I have a feeling that my parents would have rather waited to hear about that when they got home. Why spoil a fun vacation in the Caribbean with news of my unfortunate death?
[photo by Symic]
by mark on December 2, 2008
Here in the northeastern US, it’s getting cold and holiday cheer is making its appearance. After enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal with family, the next big event was a weekend traveling to Vermont with a few other families for a weekend of fun, relaxation, and cutting down our Christmas tree.
Breaking away from the computer and TV was a factor in what made the weekend so special. It started with a three-hour drive. The kids were excited in anticipation of seeing everybody, playing games, going places. Finding a radio station that was playing Christmas music enhanced the mood. The drive was a great time to talk about things and tell stories. Hitting the Vermont border, the first snow of the season appeared and the kids cheered.
Admittedly, there was some iPod and Nintendo DS usage in the back seat, because nobody can talk for three hours straight. Pointing out scenic or unusual sites, like the “Moose Crossing” sign, the covered bridge or the river that is starting to freeze over got them to pause their toys and got a little more conversation going.
At the house, hanging out with relatives and friends, away from cell phone signals, video games and the Internet, everybody gives attention to everybody else for a change. The fire crackles. Older generations tell stories to the younger generations. The kids crack up the parents and grandparents with their funny insights on things.
The next day, the hunt for the tree begins. The field is full of adequate trees, but the perfect one is out there. The evergreens and fresh cut pine smells terrific, and sometimes the smoke from a not-to-distant chimney. Shuffling into position to cut the tree down, a variety little “stickers” grab onto fleece jackets and gloves. While the tree is being bailed, hot chocolate warms everybody’s hands, noses, lips and bellies. Who doesn’t appreciate hot chocolate more after an hour in the cold, winter sun. All of this adds up to a great weekend of family and fun.
Families that have an artificial tree miss out on most of that fun. Getting the tree becomes a half-hour event with a trip to the basement or attic. The kids get to open a box of tree parts. Sure, it’s better than no tree, and it’s still an occasion to set it up. But it doesn’t tingle the senses with all of those outdoor experiences.
Artificial trees may be convenient, but they eliminate the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that go along with the adventure of getting a real tree.
Real trees are to artificial trees…
…the way that meeting friends in the outdoors is to IM’ing them.
…the way that sledding and snowball fights are to World of Warcraft online.
…the way that chestnuts roasting on an open fire are to watching YouTube videos of chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
Make sure that however you enjoy your holidays that it is safe, fun, and make some great memories!
Update: I created a Christmas tree related poll.
by mark on November 22, 2007
From “A Thanksgiving Blessing” at the NYT Bits section:
“…on Thursday, turn off the devices, or turn down the volume, keep the virtual interaction to a minimum, and please, please don’t send a text message under the table – even if Aunt Gertrude is telling some Big Fish story for the 40th time.”
I know there won’t be any Blackberries at our Thanksgiving table, except for the ones that might be in the pies, but there will be a couple of cell phones. I’m lucky to have a family that isn’t overly wired. But I’ve seen some that are.
However, Dad has already scheduled about an hour of my time over at his house today, either before or after dinner, to look at his new computer — which has Vista… ugh — and to help him resolve some issues that he’s having. (see my previous post on why techies dread coming home for the holidays.)
What kind of fun are you having this Thanksgiving?
