Old School Vs. New Technology: Toys in 2007

We live in a society where everything can be accomplished on line. One never needs to leave their home and experience the outer world. Where this can be an ideal setting for a lot of adults, is it fair to expect our children to live in the same way? Technology is a wonderful evolution that has added many developments to the progression of mankind. Everyday life, as we know it, is touched by the many conveniences that technology has provided. Our children do reap the benefits of the technology evolution, but do we expose them to this high tech lifestyle too early? Children begin developing patterns in the womb. It stands to reason that the toys we select for them ,also play a role in this pattern development.

Old school toys vs. the video market: What is best for our next generation? Games like Jacks, Tidily Winks, Marbles, Checkers and Pick Up Stix all promote hand/eye coordination and problem solving skills. These games can be played indoors or outdoors and they can involve multiple challengers. This enhances the self confidence, competitive spirit and social skills of the child. The fact that these games are so basic can also encourage children to create new games from the original ones. This creative process can motivate the development of their reasoning and engineering abilities. The "next level" for basic gaming, is something the child must invent on his own. Basic gaming is also cost effective and non addictive. The only equipment needed is the actual game and the child's imagination.

The video game market is a multi-billion dollar industry that targets children of all ages. A video game must have a television or computer, gaming discs or cartridges and other accessories. It has to be played indoors, unless one goes to elaborate lengths to hook all of the components up outside. (or if your child uses a laptop system) These games do challenge the child mentally, but often send out the wrong message. The video gaming industry does produce educational games, however, they provide limited information and the child does not have the ability to add his or her own input.. The most popular video games contain violence and have little to no educational value at all. If a parent isn't watchful, their child can obtain adult video games which include sex and drug references. None of this is a risk with a basic "old school" game. Video games do make a great babysitter. Children will play for hours and the parents are given a bit of space. However, they have also been known to developer addictions to these games, so parents must be aware of the amount of time that their child is spending on the system.

It is important that we introduce technology at the right stage of a child's life. Technology will be a very important part of their future and they must understand the concepts. It is also important that our children are comfortable with technology, as it will continue to progress. A correct balance of basic games and video exposure will balance the child's ability to move forward. When it comes to our children fast, easy and convenient aren't always the best alternatives. A walk in the park, a game of touch football or a quite chess competition can be just what the doctor ordered. Whether they are playing video or basic games, the important thing to remember is that nothing replaces parental participation.