Real experience.
I never said that kids can't do things. In fact, I taught Basic Electronics to a group of 5th graders in the 90's. This one student, a ten year old girl,saved my rear when she repaired one of the amps that I use in my DJ service failed two hours before the gig (even though it was partially my fault for not taking care of it, I had the part, just got lazy about putting in in). She turned it on, diagnosed what was wrong (this was a 1960's vintage tube amp, with very high voltage), pulled the part, soldered the new one in and it was good to go. That repair is still holding today.
My point?
That situation never would have happened today because it would be considered "too dangerous" and that the student was too young to be able to do this.
While your nephew might be the exception, the other half of this screen time, constant texting, etc, is causing serious social issues. Example-the Kindergarten teachers I work with say that Kindergarten kids literally have to be taught to play and how to properly interact with peers. These teachers can tell which kids have more balanced lives (play/tv time/comp time)simply because they know how interact with their peers.
Let me reiterate that-They have to be taught how to play. Before the 90's, these kids would have been outside, interacting with other kids and there environment, they learned social skills, problem solving and had the freedom to learn about the world around them. This is not the case today. Perceived "stranger danger" (which, by the way, is essentially bullshiat)and other perceived dangers has led to a situation where kids are stuck inside a house all day. (I do realize that some neighborhoods are different and are a bit more free).
Today's kids do not how handle problems such as bullying because aren't giving the correct tools to deal with it OR in some cases, are actually punished for fighting back. Before the 90's, the kid that generally fought back against the bully, would be left alone after that.
My nephew's Little League team did not keep score for the first three years he played. The problem? They were afraid that it would hurt the other kids feelings if they lost.
The REAL problem? They aren't getting any grounding, or that sometimes, life just isn't fair. This also affects the ones who might be turn out be good players, but lack the incentive to improve. This is also the same team that the players received trophies just for SHOWING UP.
Helicopter parents are set on micromanaging their kids lives, constant supervision, etc, when in actually, they are doing their kids a serious disservice.
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