Last weekend, I was at a USS swim meet and heard parents and coaches complaining about the "distraction" of many swimmers now. They blame this distraction (in addition to the rise of the boy/girl crazy period) on the advent of cell phones and IM-ing, etc. Apparently, at meets, and I've seen it, the kids spent scads of time on their cells phones, phoning friends, phoning kids across the pool, texting constantly (even to kids 5 feet away). Then they go home and IM for hours, checking and gossiping over the instant meet results and who beat who. Now, all the swimmers seem to know each other because, even if they're not on the same team or live in different states, they now can communicate easily via IM-ing and texting. I heard one coach say he's not sure how to get his swim kids to focus in this new techo-age. Obviously, some kids are focused like lasers, but I see an abundance of chatting and cell phone use too. Would kids do better without cell phones at meets? And is technology distracting them? Some seem to be swimming blazingly fast, but are others not swimming up to their potential because of this?
Given the direction that our world is moving in, every day that our kids spend immersed in technology puts them at an advantage in the real world, when that post college day comes.
Great point. I attended a conference at work a couple weeks back about knowledge management. I work for Boeing and obviously data and processes are a huge company asset. Trying to not only store all that information, but also make it easy to dessiminate to others is a major issue. Someone brought up the point that the new-hire "kids," who us grizzled veterans like to think don't know much, are much more proficient at communicating and finding information fast using today's technology then we are. They're the one's who can teach us a thing or two in that regard!
Not saying that cellphones are bad period. They can be good for safety.
I don't think they are appropriate at a meet, likewise on the sidelines at a game--you should be paying attention to what's going on.
I didn't get everything as a kid, I didn't get LaCoste shirts, Tacchini tracksuits or other expensive items that were the must haves. I got abused for being fat, the son of a policeman, not having designer clothes etc etc etc. The teenage me might have held my parent's responsible for a short ungrateful time but the man I am now doesn't remember it.
I remember real moments that proved love. Family vacations, Christmas days spent with the TV off playing games with 3 generations--sure I got some spoiling items but I certainly didn't keep up step for step with the Jones'
I think kids today, even mine, are overindulged; some tremendously so. I guess as long as there is some moderation and fundamental gifts to balance out the material things then it is not a total one way street.
True, but I see plenty thumbing through their Blackberrys checking their email.
This is so true. If my kids aren't in the current heat, my wife is head's down cracking away on that thing.
But there's a distinction between NEED and having something that is now for better or worse a fundamental part of our society (at least where I live). They should at least be old enough to, as Matt says, know how to be reasonable and responsible with them and not lose them.
..., they can just check the computer, which hopefully is in a public area.
I agree with all that. I have a 3 YO and will cross that bridge (what ever it is in 9-10 years), my point was only that IMHO the argument that a kid "needs" this stuff for safety--the common reason given--is simply not true. Its playtime/distraction.
If I were a meet director, I would ban electronic devices not associated with the meet from the pool deck. In a Tri, headphones/iPOD are a DQ offense.
I guess there are worse things than phnes but I think it's soft parenting to give into the peer pressure too. Just MHO and of course nobody has to raise their kid according to anyone's standards.
Yep I coached them at 9 and 10, but something happens in Junior high, and yes I make them run laps, me right with them.....and still no concentration.
I am about ready to leave for a game. I know from past history this will be the hardest game of the season for concentration. School got out today, and they will all be flibber-d-digits. Even the most serious lose their minds on the last day of school. But the other team is dealing with the same thing, so no mind. There are some days I really worry one of them is going to get hurt, and I hound them about making sure they are awake when a batter is up.
I made my daughter swim practice tonight to get some of the silliness out. I need her playing a good game, because she often sets the tone(often the most silly of them all. One game teaching all the girls the dance moves to Thriller,:shakeshead:)
I agree with all that. I have a 3 YO and will cross that bridge (what ever it is in 9-10 years), my point was only that IMHO the argument that a kid "needs" this stuff for safety--the common reason given--is simply not true. Its playtime/distraction.
If I were a meet director, I would ban electronic devices not associated with the meet from the pool deck. In a Tri, headphones/iPOD are a DQ offense.
LOL! That would never fly...ever. Considering that most parents and coaches carry these deivces, I think that meet would have attendance issues.
