Family Time

 From toddler, to teenager, all the way into adulthood we are relying on technology. We use technology to power our homes, preserve our food, entertain, and in some instances even sustain our lives. The fast growing technology craze has allowed our society to reap many benefits; but they have come at great cost. 

There was a time before TV's and MP3s when families would spend free time together and children would look towards their parents for life guidance vs characters from their favorite TV shows; but that time has passed. Parents play a vital role in shaping the character of their children and by buying them media devices for entertainment they are severing emotional ties. Children need CONSISTENT guidance and attention and if they do not get this from their parents they will choose to take advice from other sources. 

Too many parents talk about how the media is making their children do crazy diets or just crazy things in general. Well as a parent you are able to control what your child watches and in a sense you can control what they believe. Its hard to see the damage being done letting your kid live in a virtual world all day especially when all you want is peace and quiet from working long hours. People work hard and to avoid stress at home they buy their kids new toys and gadgets to keep them busy. The technology gadgets are quickly evolving and become faster, more graphic, and more interesting toys that are turning us into a society addicted to instant satisfaction. The problem with instant satisfaction is that appreciation comes with patience. Children are unable to appreciate anything anymore because they are used to getting what they desire the moment they crave it.

Movies, TV shows, and even music videos have become so dramatic and over the top that tragedy in real life now seems dull in comparison. It's two very different sites a death scene in person from the one on screen, but constant visual exposure to scenes of similar events make it seem not so bad. Joining a gang, sleeping around, or participating in other dangerous acts become more alluring when the benefits are misleadingly being presented to them through media. Perception is reality and if children believe what they see on TV to be real then it is. Even when one knows what they are seeing isn't real it can still make an impression. 

Dinner time with the family used to be filled with gossip and chatter but now people prefer to stay quiet and glued to their phones. Instead of families coming together and connecting with each other they are drifting apart because they feel more satisfaction living in fantasy worlds. Parents even work extra just to acquire all the new technological gadgets and they don't even realize they are trading something of true value ( time with their family) for something of little value (there will always be new toys).

Technology has its benefits but we must still remember to connect with each other without emails or texts. Family time is the most important time of the day.