There are times when I’m writing that I just look out the window thinking. I have often observed young people walking on the sidewalk with headphones and text messages. I have a feeling this continues when the young man comes home.

send text messages: I admit that I will text someone in the house with me instead of going to talk to them. Usually that’s because I’m on the bottom and they’re on the top. If I’m doing that, I’m pretty sure the kids are. Why get up and go where a person is if you can text?

too busy: When my teachers gave homework, they had to keep in mind that we would have to physically go to the library to get information for reports or term papers. That was calculated in the amount of time given for the allowance to expire.

That is no longer necessary. In fact, schools are giving children as early as sixth grade ipads so they can finish their tasks faster. All the teachers think it’s great because the kids can learn more and faster. That’s great…unless your child has five teachers who want a four-page (text-processed) report with bibliography within a week. When is the child supposed to exercise?

instant gratification: If you want to know something, there are pieces of technology in most of our houses that will help you do it. If you want to see something you don’t have to go to a video store. There are quite a few companies that offer what you want to watch from the comfort of your living room. The same applies to many video games. If you want to buy something you don’t have to go to the store.

all at home: Technology is great but it has some drawbacks. When it’s too much effort to get up and go talk to someone *in the same house* technology is creating part of our obesity problem, especially with our children.