How information technology came to the aid of the babysitter
On Wednesday, the nursery attended by my granddaughter Catrin (almost two) was closed for staff training and my son and daughter-in-law asked me if i could help out by looking after her for the day. My clever plan was to team up with my young friend Jen and her son James (just over two) and for the four of us to visit the Science Museum in central London. I have done this separately with Jen & James and with Catrin and I was sure that the kids would absolutely love being there together.
Sadly it didn’t work out like that. James was just recovering from chicken pox and Catrin had been off nursery the previous day with a temperature and a cough. So I had to spend the whole of Wednesday – except for a half half visit to a cafe for some fresh air – at Catrin’s flat. I have to say that, even though she was not well, she was so good and as adorable as ever. But it was a challenge for a 64 year old man.
We played lots, we read lots – and we used my iPad to look at photos of earlier times together and my iPad to make virtual cakes and enjoy interactive stories, and we even accessed recorded programmes on the television (notably episodes of “Raa Raa” on Ceebies). Thank goodness for the new technology. How did we ever bring up children without it?!?
Catrin’s language skills are really impressive and she picks up words and phrases so fast. Yesterday her favourite new phrase was: “Not working!” The little angel was mimicking my reaction every time I failed to get the technology to do what I or she wanted.
November 22nd, 2012 at 8:07 pm
We missed out too. James would have loved so much exploration with someone to aid and abet him!
We’re looking forward to the wind blowing the right way and two toddlers being simultaneously in good health… well, miracles do happen!
November 25th, 2012 at 9:08 pm
So cute! it’s very hard keeping my 2 year old entertained at home in a small house too, thank goodness for our Fifi dvds lol
November 26th, 2012 at 11:44 pm
Im afraid you are a bit of a failure as a grandfather. On “Click” yesterday they reported on growing evidence that children under 2 would be better off not watching any screens (I imagine you can still get the full programme on the internet).
Its a long story but a number of countries are now recommending this. Obama’s wife is leading a campaign on it in the US. In fact the EU would go down this road except one country is blocking this i.e. UK with the BBC ´s children s programmes being part of the obstacle to the advice being recommended on an EU basis.
You will have to go back to basics I´m afraid. “Click” reported that Andy Pandy was much more healthy that the modern children s programmes. hope this hasn’t spoilt your day! Regards
November 26th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Thanks for this, Phil, but I am not wholly convinced and, in any event, I think that screens are becoming so ubiquitous that it is impossible to keep even very young children away from them totally. I feel that the issue is balance,
November 28th, 2012 at 12:03 am
I agree but I think they should definitely bring back Andy Pandy