Kids and their use of iPad/iPhone/TV

[Ankh]

Thanks for your thoughts and advices, everyone!!

However, at this point, the devices are so ubiquitous to society, and especially the younger peer/age group, that it would be a huge step outside of social norms for her to decide, on her own, to put the devices down - which may be a big moment for her, in the future.

Thanks for this! Maybe she is too young to make decisions difficult as this one, i.e. to put down her devices by her own, and this is where I have to step in. But as I mentioned, I am not sure it is a "right" decision to do either. I am thinking this all through for now...

Ra says a bit of discipline is needed on the path of polarity, and that's something that a child must be taught, as well (self-discipline).  

In that quote the word "discipline" for me means in the way Ra suggested discipline in regards to the personality, i.e. know thyself, accept thyself, become the Creator. In our third density society though the word "discipline" has another meaning, more liken to "thou shall not". And I'm not sure what exactly Ra meant by that word in that sentence. If Don would only ask! But what do you mean by discipline? How do you interpret Ra's "discipline" in that sentence?

Anyways, I'm trying to raise her in a positive way, both in regards to her and mine polarity. So, as you mentioned elsewhere in your post, a talk to her about this is necessary. There will probably be even more than one talk. Not in a judgemental way, as you said, but in a way as to wake her up and make her more self conscious. Why does she use these devices so much? How do they make her feel? Or think? Is there really no other things to do other than using them? Etc.

Also, of course, you should set the example by doing things, on your own, and probably try to use your devices less. I have no idea how much you use them so disregard if it's not at all, but the truth is children constantly desire to mimic their parents. They see you pushing buttons on a neat little gadget that has your attention rapt, and they want that experience, too.

I agree! And I don't use these things much at all. If someone is calling and I'm busy, I let it ring. I will check the phone later, when I'm available. I was against getting an iPhone to the last moment. But when my old one broke, I got it. I'm happy with it, cause it does make my life easier. I can check emails and things like that in a sec using my iPhone, but on the other hand, I don't have an addiction to these things, and use it only when I am available. She on the other hand, does seem to have developed an addiction to these devices. And then we have her dad who is totally addicted to these things! You can't even have a short conversation with him without him constantly checking his iPhone. He uses these devices totally in a way of distraction and sleep. Even our daughter complains about it, saying that it's difficult to get his attention because of that. And that is something that I can't do anything about except to just talk with him, which is what I'm planning to do as soon as he will find some time for me (good luck, Lana!!). And so, since we have shared custody, she is with him 50% of her time.

The other piece of Ra's advice might be the most important. Have you taught your daughter to meditate, or seek the Creator in any way? I think a daily ritual as suggested might be infinitely valuable, because that way she can learn to hear/trust her own instincts instead of relying on your judgements/decisions, and who knows, maybe after a month or two of daily meditation, her screen time will naturally diminish.

Yes, Jade, we say grace before eating, and pray before going to sleep. We are meditating together, but it's more difficult for her to do that. But I will keep doing that! I do have some ideas too, for instance that perhaps if she leads a meditation, it will be easier for her. In that way, she can decide for how long it will be for instance, etc.

I think the big issue here -which Jade touched on- is the sheer ubiquity of electronic devices in modern life. And barring something massive changing the entire social structure, they're likely to only become more numerous and utilized in the years to come. Blocking her from using them could create very real practical barriers in her life to come.

Also... Let's not forget that Ra said those things more than thirty years ago. Electronic gadgets circa 1980 were tape decks and televisions. The Internet is something totally different. It contains the vast majority of all human knowledge at this point, and offers plenty of opportunity for positive\spiritual stimulation as well. Not to mention allowing for instant communication with people all around the world in a way never before possible. Even in the realm of video games -which barely even existed when Ra was being channelled- the level of interactivity that many offer today allows them to create, in my opinion, at least small amounts of legitimate catalyst.

So my advice would be not to take the devices away, but to be more aware of how she's using them, and try to steer her towards more positive or spiritually-enriching uses of them. The online world can be a powerful stimulus for recognizing basic human unity and soforth, if used the right way.

Thank you, APeacefulWarrior for your positive thoughts! I didn't think in this way.

You mentioned that being aware of how she uses them and trying to steer her towards more positive or spiritually enriching uses of them is your advice. But how to do that? I'm aware of how she uses them, and that is for games and watching a LOT (dumb) teenager-ish comedies from US. What shall I do here? Steering could also mean controlling... Telling her to not to watch what she wants, but instead watch what I find more proper for her...?

isis! That was my thought exactly in the beginning! To let her use these devices until she is so sick and tired of it, that she can't stand them! And maybe that is a right solution, I don't know. Or maybe it could also be a bad solution. Cause we are all diffirent, and maybe letting *her* to use these things without offering a thought or something, will make her more and more addcited, which will only make it harder for her in the future... But I don't know!

Minyatur, thank you so much! I will definitely try to contact her Higher Self for an advice on this matter! I didn't think of that, so thank you so much!