Never let it be said that The Hook is unsympathetic to the plight of the Modern Kid; I realize kids have challenges that range from minor (convincing their parents to fork over their hard-earned cash for Justin Bieber concert tickets) to major (bullying, broken homes, etc.) but this a lighthearted jab at the modern rugrat, so let’s get silly, shall we?
I know a child – who shall remain nameless in order to ensure my safety – that has the following items in her room..
- A big-screen plasma TV.
- A digital receiver.
- A DVD player and over 100 movies and various TV series boxed sets.
- Hundreds of books – of both the comic and novel variety.
- An iPad.
- Dozens of Barbies (Twilight, DC Comics superheroines, etc.)
- A laptop.
- Several portable video game devices and games.
- An iPod touch.
And that’s just the swag I know about! Despite this wealth of devices designed to fill hundreds of hours of a child’s carefree existence, she will still periodically declare, “I’M BORED!”
I fondly recall the days of my carefree youth, when we rode bikes and drew fresh air into our young bodies. My summer routine was simple: I would get up at 9 am, eat a hearty breakfast of sugary cereal and hit the open road on my ten-speed. I’d be gone all day!
Of course, those days are long gone, A parent can’t let their child just gallavant like a vagabond until dinner, not in this world filled with monsters lurking around every corner.
But that’s a terrible fact to be explored another day.
As for children who feel they’re hard done by, they simply need to be reminded of just what they have - and how easily it can be taken away.
I feel your pain to a small extent, Hook. I am no where near being a parent yet, by any means. But, I recall being said child and having such technology at my disposal. I was part of an in between generation, however. I liked to read books, take naps in the sun, and play outside in the pool, garden, or with the dogs.
Since the technological revolution has begun, I have noticed that it is harder for me to do these things as I used to, because there is so much hardware in my way. The inspiring part of this story is that my boyfriend is a dairy farmer (4th generation) and the time I spend with him, on his farm, sharing the chores he does and learning about the cows and the seasons and the jobs which accompany each season, I have more fun outside and on tractors with him than I had even in my childhood. It is a sad world the more recent generations are growing up in.
Thanks for posting! It is refreshing to know I was part of a generation which remembers “outside”
You sure were! Thanks for participating!
You’ve hit the nail on the head good sir. I it grinds on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard when my four year old, who is surrounded by toys, says I’m board. We are working on it. Lots of hiking and using our imaginations. Hopefully I can cure him of this modern plague.
Good luck, Mom!
Books and kittens and trees. That’s all they really need. And dirt. It’s good for kids to get dirty from time to time.
Most Moms would disagree with you, but you’re absolutely right!
True…No amount of gadgets can actually replace the fun one has with a companion.
Well said, my new friend!
Kids, teens, grown adults. They all say that. It’s stupid, really. I, like you, used to spend the entire day outdoors, exploring every nook and cranny of my town. At home I’d curl up with a book from the library. Life was good and I grew up to be a well-balanced individual. I agree that in most places, you can’t let your child roam free like that any more, but I live in one of the few unadulterated places left on Earth (well, it feels like it, hearing the news and all). Imma kick my kid outta the house if he/she ever toils away his/her time on game consoles and stuff
Thanks for the cool viewpoint, my new friend!
Ah yes, how true this post is? Millions of things to do, and yet it’s still easy to get bored. That part confuses me! Great post – I’ve enjoyed it.
I’m glad to hear it! Thanks for the visit.