I miss the days when my son had no interest in TVs, computers, cell phones, or any other devices that keep me connected to the outside world. Now that he’s 10 months old, it’s almost impossible to use any of these gadgets in front of him.
If I’m typing away on my computer, he’ll zoom over as soon as he hears the click clack of the keyboard and bang on it with me (usually causing warnings I’ve never seen to pop up on the screen). And if I move it out of his reach, he’ll stand at my feet, staring up at me expectantly, which makes me feel guilty. If that doesn’t deter me, his frustrated screeches eventually will, and I’ll close my laptop shut. I’ll maybe have gotten half an email in.
I choose not to watch TV in his presence–it’s disturbing how a commercial for say, kitty litter, causes him to drop all his toys and stare at the screen, zombie-like, until I shut it off, at which point he goes back to whatever he was doing–15 seconds of his life down the tube.
The cell phone seems to makes him desperate. When I’m talking to someone else, he realizes he doesn’t have my undivided attention, and claws at my phone to get in on the action. I’ve resorted to putting my calls on speakerphone.
But there’s one piece of technology I’ve discovered we can both enjoy together–the good old-fashioned radio. Avi appears enchanted with the idea that music and voices can emanate from a little box. And he has no idea that I can understand the words and he can’t. So I tune in to the local NPR station many mornings and afternoons (93.9FM if you’re interested), and enjoy everything from news bits to short stories to music. Sitting beside Avi, surrounded by books and toys and soggy Cheerios, I get to stay semi-informed about what’s happening beyond my living room floor while also enjoying my son’s sweet company.
Note: You can also tune in online at npr.org and listen to programs like “ All Things Considered” and “Fresh Air.”
