Technology Really Blows My Mind in Just Thinking Out Loud

Recently while having my hair done at a nearby salon, I noticed three young boys – ages 6, 8 & 9 sitting quietly on a leather sofa while their mother was getting her hair colored, cut and styled. It’s a long process taking anywhere from 1 ½ hours to 3 hours. As one hour bled into the next, there was no squirming, getting up and down or loud noises coming from the lounge area where the boys sat. I thought about my own children when they were those ages many years ago. Although they were raised to be polite and courteous to others, their active and rambunctious natures would definitely result in squirming, getting up and down and giving me painful impatient looks as the hours ticked by.

When the stylist finished with my hair, I arose and walked in the direction of the lounge. As I passed the boys, still sitting quietly, I noticed that each of them had a kid-friendly electronic tablet. Their eyes were fixated on each screen as their little fingers tapped and swiped across animated apps.

I paid my bill and left the salon. But as I walked to my car I marveled at the role that technology plays in our day-to-day life. Many of today’s young children have access to DVD players, game consoles, electronic tablets and even smart phones.

But what really blew my mind… was the iPotty. According to gizmag.com, “The iPotty has been designed to help children learn to use the potty by keeping them entertained when nature calls.” It’s a potty training seat with an attached stand to securely hold an iPad. Children can play with apps while learning to use the potty. Need an app? How about Potty Training – Learning with the Animals – winner of the Columbiatic Best App award 2013.

And to think that I just clapped my hands and praised my children as they were learning…

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