Raising Children in this "Technology" Age

One of the things I worry about as a parent is technology. But technology is good for you, right? Sure, in some instances. But I worry about my daughter growing up and my knowing when she should have things like a cell phone or a hand held video game that isn't just educational.

Willow is 10.5 months old. In 5 years, when she is almost 6 years old, will all the kids her age have a cell phone? Or, even worse, will technology have somehow surpassed the cell phone? I mean honestly, the cell phone we all know and love is no longer just a phone, and it's no longer just for convenience, it's a necessity. You just have to look at the iPhone to see that it's a "device" not a phone.

So, when all the cool kids have their implanted electronics cell phones, how do I tell Willow that she is too young to have one of her own? And will I be telling her that? Or will I be too busy "keeping up with the Joneses" to have more than a fleeting thought about the fact that when I was her age cell phones didn't really exist?

Technology is both a blessing and scary at the same time. The speed at which it is improving and things are getting smaller is astronomical. When I go to the Pediatrician, they all have laptops with touch screens that they pull up patient records on in a flash. They don't have to read some scribble left by the last person, they have actual detailed information and they are networked with the local hospitals. It's amazing.

But with the "devices" out there and "smart" cars that don't need keys and can see behind themselves and all these things coming out for our "convenience" I'm not quite convinced that it's all a good thing. And I am not quite convinced that I will be able to keep up with it all. Am I going to be one of those people whose children surpass them in their knowledge of technology? I don't want that to be me, but what if it is? Not that it's a bad thing, but it's something I think about.

I guess it just kind of scares me to think that my 6 year old will might have a cell phone. I just don't see how a kid can just be a kid with technology getting in the way of something simple like playing "tag". You know, because little Tommy's cell phone went off in the middle of a game because he's late for dinner.

I guess we'll just have to see how it all pans out.