Thursday, February 6, 2014

Ward, Feb.6

First Draft. Going to update when I get my other interviews
Being a parent is hard, but there are some technological advances that can make the full-time job a little easier.

One advancement is the video baby monitor. Far from the camera-less device it once was, this new and improved monitor has enough features to put the minds of parents at ease while their baby is fast asleep in the crib. 
What makes the new monitor special is its ability to allow a parents to view their baby from home or away using a login and encrypted signal to view on Apple or Android smartphones, tablets and computers. Some video monitors also have a two-way communication feature that allow parents to talk through the monitor or their device to the baby. 
Other highlights of the new monitors include the ability to monitor multiple rooms on the same screen and the infrared lights that come equipped with the monitor to enable monitoring in low-light conditions.

Not only can technology have an effect on how a baby is nurtured, it can also affect how a child learns. 
Ever since the first iPad was released in 2010, there has been a steady increase in the use of the device by toddlers and young children for educational purposes. Children can use the touch-screen device to learn in a way that is fun to them. Certain applications for iPad use characters that children can easily identity, such as Dora the Explorer and Bob the Builder, to make the child more comfortable and eager to learn. 
Parents have the advantage of using the iPad for educational and recreational purposes for their child. The device can be an easy go-to for parents when trying to get a child to quiet down. Whether sitting in a waiting room, or just simply making a phone call, the iPad can come in handy for any parent needing a couple of moments of silence.

Although the idea of using a video baby monitor and an iPad to take some of the stressors off of parenthood sound promising, there are some precautions. Dr. Caroline DiBattisto, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics for Georgia Regents University, said she believes moderation is the keyword when talking about technology because children often overuse technology.

“The average child has 7 hours of screen exposure," Dibattisto said. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend 1 to 2 hours maximum.”

Even though technology is known for its ability to save time, it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for human interaction, DiBattisto said.

“I have a video baby monitor,” DiBattisto said. “But I still check on my baby as often as possible. No one should rely on technology.”

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