There are some parenting books that I just can’t wait to get my hands on. Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World
by Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane happens to be one that I’ve had my eye on for a long time now. When Flyby Promotions offered me the chance to review it, I was practically begging to be selected to review it. I’ve been a Gary Chapman fan for a LONG time. I wasn’t let down one bit with this new book either. I have been devouring this book in all of my free time. I have three kids, and all of them have been attached to technology since they were babies.
Despite us having every video game system, a computer for each of the boys, my laptop that I work on, and our TV entertainment center in the living room, I do still strive to keep it to a limit. Our kids go to school online through their computers and also do many online program reviews. They do workbooks once a week, and then the rest of their lessons for the week comes from being online. If I can push them hard enough to get done before the sun goes down or before it gets too late in the day where the mosquitoes will carry us off, I strive to get some time outside with the kids in some form or fashion. There have been quite a few times where I’ve taken lessons outside too just to get away from the screen time.
I Want More For My Kids
In Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World Chapman provides a detailed argument as to why parents should limit the amount of time children (and adults) spend attached to a piece of technology. I found this to be a bit ironic because I have addressed this issue on my blog in my Technology Connection Vs. Family Connection and my Look Up and Create Some IN Person Connection posts. This has been something that has weighed heavily on my mind a lot in the past six months.
I honestly think that may have to do with the fact my kids are getting older, and I am realizing just how many things from my own childhood they are missing out on because they have had their noses glued to some type of screen. I want them to have friendships. I want them to feel the sand through their toes more than once a year. I want them to be able to explore the woods and know what it feels like to make their own trail along the way. I want them to enjoy watching the fine art that God gives us as the sun goes down. I want them to be able to chase fireflies. There is so much more that I want for them too. But they aren’t going to gain those things unless I take them away from the screens.
Enter to Win Your Copy of Growing Up Social
I highly recommend the book Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World. I’ve been blessed with the chance to have one lucky reader earn the chance to win this book for themselves. You need to fill out the Giveaway Tools Form Completely. Be sure to check out the terms and conditions section.
I remember when my kids were little I read so many books on child-rearing. This one looks great. I know a few folks who will love this one. Passing it along to them!
This looks like a book I should read. I definitely limit screen time for my two kids but I do not limit my own screen time!
This book will change the way you view things.
Have to laugh and think how I don’t limit my own screen time either. I have relatives that would like this book and will spread the word for sure.
I think this is one of the best books I’ve read on parenting in a while. I personally couldn’t wait to read it because I know my kids are very close to being to glued to technology.
I read this book too! My review and giveaway will be up on Thursday. It is a wonderful book and I have already loaned my book to a friend whose 8yo spends most of his day glued to screens.
I hope that it makes a positive difference in that 8 year old’s life and in his families life as well. I look forward to reading your review.
I would love to read this book. My kids aren’t on as much as some, but way more than I ever was–we didn’t even have a TV!
I didn’t get to watch but two hours of TV a week. I didn’t even touch a computer unless it was in the school library for a school project. I got my first computer when I went off to college. My first year of college I barely touched it. I didn’t touch a computer really until 2000.
This sounds like a great read for parents– I’m always trying to figure out balance b/w screen time and no tech for family time, too.
I know we have that one in common. I have been trying like crazy to find that happy balance. However, in our world today it seems almost impossible to do.
You are the second person in a day to recommend this book! I need to add it to my reading list ASAP. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your review and giveaway post at Together on Tuesdays! This seems like a great book for young parents today. I’m glad I didn’t have this issue when my children were very young 🙂
Trust me, I wish I didn’t. I look at my kids in puzzlement at times. I still haven’t figured out Minecraft, but they love it!
I am happy to know that I’m not the only one who thinks like this. I don’t have any children yet, I’m still a child myself (20). I see so many parents who give their children iPads in restaurants to keep them bussy and quite. I used to draw things… Children who cry or are being annoying receive iPads or mom’s iPhone with some Disney songs on it. I hate it. I don’t think this is evolution. Don’t get me wrong, I love technology and spent a lot of my time online. But children have to be children. They have to play outside or play with toys.
Oooh I’ll have to wait until after the giveaway…just in case…but this looks like a book I definitely need in my parenting library, regardless! Thanks for the suggestion and the review!
This is one of my top parenting books. Here is a list of my top five parenting books.(It will take you to a guest post I did on another fabulous blogger’s site.)
I worry what my kids will miss out on too, but I think as well that my parents would have worried the same about us growing up with TV as kids where they didn’t, every generation will have something new to worry about and say ‘but when I was a child…’
Alison,
You bring up a very valid point. I’m glad you pointed out that perspective. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Sounds like a wonderful book! I’ve heard other good reviews too. It’s important that we limit our children’s time in front of anything that they could spend hours on whether it’s a computer, tablet, book, basketball goal, video game, etc. It’s important for our children to experience new things, and we, as parents, should encourage them to do so. Thanks so much for sharing!
You’re welcome for sharing. I’m glad that you agree with me in this logic. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.