Monday, August 6, 2012

Protect Their Creativity


There were few diversions for children in the early twentieth century, and one gets the distinct impression that they were happier because of it. 
{Elizabeth Elliott}

We had television when I was young, but that was it.  There were no computers, iPads, cell phones, DVDs, or video games.  Television got boring after awhile so we spent most of our time outside swimming, making up games, having a neighborhood Good News club, playing school, riding bikes, etc.  Our activities caused us to be involved with other people, real live people.

Today's children have been cheated.  I rarely see children outside playing anymore.  Even when my children were young, we would all gather in the cul-de-sac.  The mothers would sit around and talk while the children would play together.  My children were outside playing a lot of the time.  Alyssa was always making up plays with her siblings.  They did a lot of creative play.

Children don't seem to be doing this anymore.  All of this new technology has taken them away from reality and imagination and put them into continual entertainment mode.  There is little time to be still and hear that still small Voice. 

Our enemy must love this.  It is causing a generation of overweight and lazy children.  I know there are many of you have children who work hard and don't sit around expecting to be entertained all day but you, I think, are the exception.

Children need to be bored.  They need to learn to use their imaginations and be creative.  They need to be taught to work hard and not expect hand outs.  We need to be protecting them from all of these diversions which can lead them away from godliness and hard work.

They also need fresh air and exercise.  They need to keep their minds active through reading and playing outside.  They also need to have healthy interaction with others face-to-face.

Don't let this new technological age steal the minds and hearts of your children.  Watch over them carefully and protect them.  They may thank you for it someday.

She looks well to the ways of her household.
Proverbs 31:7

Frugal Friday

Comments (8)

Loading... Logging you in...
  • Logged in as
Lori, such truth! Thank you for reminding us. I hope to raise creative and active kiddos when they come :).
The bible tells us to dast down imaginations. I would argue that modern "toys" increase imaginations. However as you said creative play, outside, teaches our children vital life skills. weather the children are climbing a tree, or making mud pies, or inside making things out of boxes. Have you noticed how the words imagine and magic are very similar.
On another note, I was commenting to a family friend, who is a pharmicist, recently that most young people today seem to walk very hunched over, his theory was they may spent so much time indoors hunched over a computer, that they are severely vitamin d deficient, thus leading to things like deformed growth and rickets.
Oh, I whole-heartedly love this post Lori! And I couldn't agree more. I am so blessed to live in an amazing neighborhood, a cul-de-sac, where the moms and kids do just what you described. It's so much like the childhood I had and that makes me happy.
We were outside constantly as kids too! I'm so glad we live in a safe quiet neighborhood that my son will be able to run around in when he is older!
Children need to be bored.
I totally agree. Boredom makes the kids look for ways to use there mind.
The piano is my kids' "computer game". I say "you want to play a game?" there it is. And if you master the game, at the end you get a song.
Well said dear. Kids should live free with our guidance and protection.
I really encourage kids to go outside, breathe fresh air and let the sun touch their skin. It's sad to see other kids caging themselves inside the house with only their electronic gadgets to accompany them.

Post a new comment

Comments by