Someone changed
the words to the familiar “Jingle Bells” to fit our modern day culture. Here
are the new words:
Dashing though the snow with a high-def touchscreen display;
O’er the fields we go, tweeting and texting all the way.
Bells on smartphones ring, making bandwidth bright,
What fun it is to stare and cling to a virtual world tonight
We have replaced tinsel and mistletoe with smartphones, tablets, computers, and social media. My two year old granddaughter knows how to turn on my iPhone (Yes, I have one- Jesus would too if he lived on earth today.) and play games on it.
72% of children ages 8 and younger have used a mobile device with 17% using the device daily. Technology itself is not dangerous, and can be an important tool for our children’s education. But my concern is when we allow technology to get in between our parenting and relationships; then there will be problems.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement saying children are “spending more time with media than they are in school… more time with media than any activity other than sleeping… media has taken over the primary role of teaching kids from schools and parents.”
The AAP says the average 8-10 year old nearly spends 8 hours a day with a variety of different media. They go on to note that excessive media use has been associated with obesity, lack of sleep, school problems, aggression, and other behavior issues.
Let me pause to emphasize: I am not knocking down the value of technology in education, parenting, or in business. I am not saying we shouldn’t use the technology available to us. What I am saying is: watch your media diet, especially this time of year.
What might that diet look like? First, plan ahead for family time. Instead of hours of phones, tablets, and computers, do things as a family. You can decorate the tree, take a hike, prepare a meal together, play a game, do a puzzle, or shop and wrap gifts- turn the equipment off for a while.
Second, plan ahead for tech time. I am not asking you to go on a starvation diet, just limit your time on the computer. Don’t let technology replace your presence with family and friends.
Third, reach out and touch someone, literally. Touch is a vital human need. Talk to your children, friends, spouse with eyeball to eyeball, uninterrupted (no technology) communication. Talk about life, Jesus, Christmas, family issues, school, or work.
Time, touch, and talk; let’s implement these things this Christmas.
Blessings,
Dashing though the snow with a high-def touchscreen display;
O’er the fields we go, tweeting and texting all the way.
Bells on smartphones ring, making bandwidth bright,
What fun it is to stare and cling to a virtual world tonight
We have replaced tinsel and mistletoe with smartphones, tablets, computers, and social media. My two year old granddaughter knows how to turn on my iPhone (Yes, I have one- Jesus would too if he lived on earth today.) and play games on it.
72% of children ages 8 and younger have used a mobile device with 17% using the device daily. Technology itself is not dangerous, and can be an important tool for our children’s education. But my concern is when we allow technology to get in between our parenting and relationships; then there will be problems.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement saying children are “spending more time with media than they are in school… more time with media than any activity other than sleeping… media has taken over the primary role of teaching kids from schools and parents.”
The AAP says the average 8-10 year old nearly spends 8 hours a day with a variety of different media. They go on to note that excessive media use has been associated with obesity, lack of sleep, school problems, aggression, and other behavior issues.
Let me pause to emphasize: I am not knocking down the value of technology in education, parenting, or in business. I am not saying we shouldn’t use the technology available to us. What I am saying is: watch your media diet, especially this time of year.
What might that diet look like? First, plan ahead for family time. Instead of hours of phones, tablets, and computers, do things as a family. You can decorate the tree, take a hike, prepare a meal together, play a game, do a puzzle, or shop and wrap gifts- turn the equipment off for a while.
Second, plan ahead for tech time. I am not asking you to go on a starvation diet, just limit your time on the computer. Don’t let technology replace your presence with family and friends.
Third, reach out and touch someone, literally. Touch is a vital human need. Talk to your children, friends, spouse with eyeball to eyeball, uninterrupted (no technology) communication. Talk about life, Jesus, Christmas, family issues, school, or work.
Time, touch, and talk; let’s implement these things this Christmas.
Blessings,
P.S. Christmas is a joyful, fun, and celebrative time for many, but a depressing, lonely, and sad time for others. How can you discover the balance of Christmas? Join us this week and discover “The How.” Worship with us at 9:15 or 11:00. Bring a friend- it’s Christmastime!
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