I opened my email this morning to find a coupon for something called “texthook.” Intrigued, I read further, discovering that the texthook enables new parents to position their smartphones conveniently on the handle bars of strollers and baby joggers.
My son just had his first child, and I understand the pressure of trying to keep up with life while juggling the new responsibilities of caring for a baby. Yet I couldn’t help but feel concerned, especially as I read on – one review of the device promises that the “loving relationship you’ve had with your mobile device” does not need to end with the arrival of your little one.
No baby is going to be damaged by a few emails quickly shot off while bouncing your child on your knee. However, if experience tells us anything, it can be hard to stick to just a few emails. Our “always on” techno environment is all consuming – and we shouldn’t let this lure us away from parenting.
Media multitasking is no doubt going to be a part of any new parents life, but consider carving out significant ‘screen free’ time with your baby (and I mean screen free for parents from their blackberries, smart phones, etc… the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for babies themselves). Here are a few reasons to resist getting hooked on texting:
First, before your baby is even able to talk or walk, they look to you as an example. Babies are born to copy. Remember this and start modeling good media habits for your kids early on.
Second, and most importantly, the number one gift you can give your child is one-on-one communication and connection. A walk with baby in the stroller does not have to be simply exercise or a way to get from point A to point B. When you respond enthusiastically to your child’s sounds and smiles and name familiar objects that you pass by, you are not only developing a special bond with your baby but also enhancing his or her social, psychological, and intellectual development.
You are the primary source of information through which your baby begins to explore the world – make sure that devices like the texthook don’t distract you from the most important job in the world. Your texts can likely wait.
Sincerely, Dr. Dave