The iFamily

From waking up in the morning, to making a pot of coffe technology has become a way of life. What sacrafices would we be willing to make to keep our cell phone, laptop, Blackberry, GPS... And more importantly, what sacrafices have we ALREADY made by accepting the "iWorld" (Think iPhone).

The Blackberry offers up some great benefits for users so that things are made simpler. The organizer will help keep you on task so that you do not miss any important meetings or events. The GPS system helps when you are traveling in a new area so that you do not get lost on your way. This unit offers much entertainment all while you are on the move.

Take the new portable DVD players that are on the market now. These are a lifesaver for parents that are in their vehicles a lot with children. After all, you just strap the DVD player on to the back of the front seats and your children can watch a movie while in the car. This helps to keep the kids calm and occupied on lengthy trips.

For many people on the go a lot of these new technology devices are a major asset. Oftentimes we only see the positive aspect of technology and don't always see the negative effects, especially in our families. It would seem that traditional children's products are being pushed to the wayside.

With cell phones now in the hands of almost all people, we are spending more and more time on the phone. How many children have sat tugging on their parent's shirt waiting for what seems like forever for them to get off the phone so they can have a conversation with them? Everywhere you look, you can see people sitting in the restaurant with their kids and a cell phone to their ear. We hand our kids a gaming device so that they are entertained and will give us a few minutes of peace and quiet. After all, how can family values be instilled into the children when the children have headphones on listening to their new MP3 player and Mom is working on the computer while Dad is closing a new business deal on the cell phone? We seem to live in what is the ifamily no longer interacting in the real world with our loved ones. It has gotten out of control. How can we turn back the clock and fix the direction we are going?

Nothing can take the place of spending real time with your family. Playing good old-fashioned board games with your children gives all of you a chance to really talk and get to know each other. Many parents think they know their children but in truth how can you know them if you are too busy to really connect through a true conversation. Connecting with your kids takes more than just speaking to them on their cell phones. while their on the go. So put some time aside and play some good old-fashioned board games with your children and get to know them.

With small children, a bedtime story at the end of a busy day can do wonders for both of you. Your voice while you read a children' book to your small child can help build a bond between you and your child. This can see you through many of the hectic times as you move forward through a busy day.

As we move forward as a society, more and more we are starting to live in isolation due to the advances of technology. It's important to not let technology replace good old-fashioned family time that truly connects the family at deeper levels. We can send letters over the computer through emails to our loved ones to tell them we love them and stay in touch.

This does not take the place of an old-fashioned hand written letter. Nothing speaks louder of our love than dropping the technology and connecting with other people in the real world. Human contact is so important but, unfortunately, and in many ways, technology has pulled us further and further away from each other.

Article Source: http://myarticlezine.com

Mark Arens, founder of ThumbPeople, Inc. & author of Thumbuddy books & resources shares foundational principles that will ignite bonding between parent and child. more available at:--> www.thumbpeople.com/being-thumbuddy/index.html

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