Are these good ideas or bad ideas? Honestly, I am not sure. There is always a new technology introduced where the "good versus bad" debates rage on.
I wanted to share with you a simple rule that we have used with our kids since day one that seems to be working well. Our rule is built around the idea of "sanctuary." We define it as a place where you can be the real you. Where can you be the real you? Where can you escape the influence of YouTube, texting, Skype, gmail, Google Buzz, Facebook, Twitter, your friends, your family? Where can you get closer to your own thoughts? In our house, the best answer to this question is... in your bedroom.
So, to tame Pandora's "technology" box we came up with this family golden rule:
You can use technology downstairs. We reserve upstairs as our technology free sanctuary - especially our bedrooms.
Interestingly, it has given the kids (and adults) a reason to leave the distractions of the digital world behind. We enter a space that, by design, has no digital distractions pulling on them. As they say, "form equals function." In this space you will find books, toys, journals and the comforts of your bedroom. My timing on this was lucky. We created the rule before the kids already had technology in their rooms.
We set up and use our technology in the "public" spaces of our home. As parents, this allows us to see what is going on and engage in conversation. This creates many teaching moments (that go both ways!).
This simple rule has been on my mind for a while and I've wanted to share it with my Zone by Zone friends.
-----------------
Now, the other thing that has been on my mind is my blogging. You may or may not know that David Allen has invited me and Meg Edwards to co-author a book with him on the topic of GTD for kids/family. A very exciting project!
This is taking most of my focus and time. But I've resolved to get back to doodling and writing for the Zone by Zone blog. So please do check back from time to time.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
