Monday, August 4, 2008

Kids these days!


Never have I been a technology guru. Sheesh, I was probably the last person my age to get an email address (college), I just learned how to text message a month ago, and I didn't think twice about passing on my husband's Internet phone when he got a new one. Are you kidding? I much preferred my "phone" phone. But, now that my son, who is 3 mind you, can navigate the world of electronics better than me, a certain sense of fear mixed with awe is growing inside.
It started innocently enough. One day (thinking of what he might get into while I was showering) I asked if he wanted to play a game on the computer. I loaded everything up and helped him with the mouse and showed him what buttons to use for a few minutes as he learned to play. I now wonder if he was just humoring me that first day. Imagine my surprise when a few days later I walk into the room and hear the printer. "What are you doing Zach?" "I am printing a color page mom!" WHAT? Sure enough, there he was printing a SUPER WHY coloring page. How he figured it out is beyond me. Today he can sit down, turn on the computer, find his games (on different websites) and play all by himself. He is kinda bossy too. He'll tell me, "Mom, I need you to click the red X, I think it is my turn now." WHAT!?
Of course there are benefits. He has shown much more interest in words and letters, he can recognise what words "start with", and knows the sounds of the alphabet. Cool. But I have to admit, there are down sides too. For example, he used to enjoy WATCHING a movie. Now, the only thing he likes to do is sit down with the TV remote in hand and go through all the bonus feature material. Who knew, but DVDs are packed with tons of games and bonus material. weird. Lately, he puts in (all by himself) the DVD2, instead of the movie.
And so, it is things like this that force me to realize he is growing up. A kid with his own preferences and skills, able to understand more, and handle bigger responsibilities. This last picture makes me smile, and reassures me that I've got a few more years before he "leaves the nest". You see, he likes to sit next to his blanket, and when I think about it, kindergarten is still 2 years away.

8 comments:

meg said...

It is amazing how capable even small children are on the computer, etc. - and scary too! I don't always know how I feel about Jen feeling perfectly at home playing on the computer without help. I'm glad that she's smart enough, but scared about "what's next." Kids these days...

See ya' at bookclub!!

Bailey Family said...

Technology is a great thing. I am glad to see that Zach is learning from it. Maybe he will teach you a thing or two??!!

Nicole said...

that is so funny... i'm like you, i'm not into technological things. i like my 4 year old phone phone, don't need anything special. kylie plays on the computer a little, few times a week. how she knows what she knows, is beyond me. i just sat her down at a game and said have fun.

Erin S said...

What a little smarty! He looks soooo big in those pictures!

kat and jason said...

i'm back--things have been crazy-we'll have to talk. i can't believe zach is that good with the computer. i tried to show ash (a while ago) how to use the mouse and play games....and she could not get it for the life of me. i did't have the patience so we don't use the computer. impressive. and the cake stands---so cute!

Isaura said...

cute boy!! i too figured kids were too advanced when my nephew was like 5 and kept telling me to "click" on something in a website. i was thinking "how do you EVEN know what it means to click on something" i didn't email until late college years either, but i think i have you beat on the texting. its been about 1 year ;)

Christy said...

what a smart kid! i can't believe he can do all that stuff when he's only three. crazy!

Holbrook's said...

totally crazy! I know Tien will be a techy genious by the time she is 5 and I will be asking her how to do things on the computer! what a crazy world!