I don’t usually “mommy-blog,” nor is this post “Orthodox” or
even “Jewish.” But: so what?
even “Jewish.” But: so what?
I’ve always been a voracious reader, since early childhood –
getting out books by the dozen at the library, then losing myself for hours.
getting out books by the dozen at the library, then losing myself for hours.
Now I’m a mother and have precious little time for such a
luxury. I’ve also become much more
selective about what I read. But I’ve discovered
something else about myself: every now and then I still need to escape the
household treadmill. And I get bored of
said treadmill very easily.
luxury. I’ve also become much more
selective about what I read. But I’ve discovered
something else about myself: every now and then I still need to escape the
household treadmill. And I get bored of
said treadmill very easily.
When my big kids were small, my escape involved talking to
friends and family on the phone or snatching a quick read while the kiddies
were playing.
friends and family on the phone or snatching a quick read while the kiddies
were playing.
Now, it’s Facebook, texting, or reading a really interesting
article or blog comment on my phone.
article or blog comment on my phone.
For some reason, the latter makes me feel a lot worse than
the former. Why?
the former. Why?
Same or different?
What do you say?
What do you say?
Ive been seriously considering a time out from my computer every day from 2 to 8 while my kids are around. I want to spend more time around my kids without any distraction. My baby comes home from playgroup and goes straight to the computer to look for me and that is NOT what I want them remembering.
Ditto chanale. Also, I think that even though we're technically "connecting" with people online, we don't get the human connection that a live voice gives us. Also, reading on the computer feels less active to me (and thus more slothful) – I can't turn the pages and I certainly can't hold my laptop the way I hold a book.
The other thing about reading a book vs reading on the computer is that my kids can't tell whether mummy is reading or playing a game or surfing aimlessly – so I'm not necessarily modeling behaviour that I'd like them to emulate. And, of course, any person watching me could assume that I'm lazily playing online Tetris (who, me?) rather than lazily reading a book.
Chanale: I hear you… but why is that? Why is the computer not the place you want him to find you? I, and I'm sure you, are doing many valuable things with your computer.
SCJ: True that. But is it just about getting used to the new way? will our kids be holding books in 20 years? Just playing the other side here… Also I don't indulge in gaming at all, it's just not my thing… so for me, it really IS my way of connecting with important people in my life: my friends and family members.
I have been asking myself exactly this question lately. I think the answer may have something to do with the addictive nature of the online stuff. Why is it addictive? because it is a world that is always changing. No matter how long that book is sitting on my couch, it's always going to have the same words in it. So whether I get to read it today, or tomorrow or in three years' time, it's not going to change. But Ruchi's blog, well, maybe she posted something new, or maybe there was an interesting new comment. It's always moving and changing and we don't want to miss anything and at the same time the sheer quantity of stuff out there burgeons more than exponentially all the time so we're drawn into spending more and more time over there instead of on the couch with the book that's not going anywhere and not changing. Sad but true?
With all things i think it's about intent, moderation and balance. If you spent all day reading a hardback book while your kids begged for your attention, that would be just as bad as being online all day while your kids begged your attention.
Now, if you're asking if books are "healthier" than laptops–that's another issue. Books don't give you cancer the way some suspect long-term use of electronics do, they don't generally give headaches the way a blinking screen does and a so forth.
Both issue have to do with moderation.