Apps- Seriously?

I couldn’t sleep and my taxes are done, so I decided to peruse Itunes in search of some education apps to torture, stimulate Andrew with. I am flabbergasted at the number of apps for infants and toddlers. Flabbergasted.

I get the need for all the apps on s*x, alcohol use, and even the ones on weed. I mean the world needs these or anarchy will ensue, but apps “to help keep your baby entertained while at the grocery store?” This is a need?

I understand the app makers, people buy them.There is a market and they are going to take part. But come on. I know that going out with young ones is hard. It wasn’t that long ago that I had a non-verbal, barely walking two year old, an infant on my hip, and a 5 year old that I schlepped through the store. Would an iphone have made my days easier- doubtful, but I can grasp the parents that say how much easier it makes their lives- I truly can. But, it is a cop out.

Contrary to popular belief they are not intentionally making life hard. They want to know what is going on in their environment and to help you. If they are fussy there is a reason: there might be too much stimulation, they could just need mom snuggies, sleepy and hungry seem to occur simultaneously with the grocery store.  Engage them, don’t ignore them by handing them your phone. Talk to them, have them help, but for goodness sakes don’t hand over your phone so they can hear animal sounds or “learn” their colors. If you want them to learn their colors point out the red apple and orange orange. No one is going to commit you if you break out in a symphony of animal sounds or make fun of you.

No wonder so many children and teens are addicted to electronic devices, we put them in their hands as soon as possible and teach them to leave us alone so we don’t have to deal with them.

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