Chapter 1: The Joy of Disconnection

In today's digital age, it's become somewhat of a cliché for those of us who lived before the internet to lament the loss of what we call "real childhood." We often reminisce about days spent outdoors, free from the distractions of screens. My son, who was born in 2011, enjoys playing video games. While one might assume this affects his physical activity or connection to nature, he has actually been lucky enough to engage in a wealth of enriching experiences both on and off the screen.

This blog post was inspired by a birthday celebration held in the hills back in July 2018. My sister resides in a secluded town where technology has been slow to arrive.

Yesterday, we celebrated my nephews’ birthday. Each time we visit my sister, the children experience a unique kind of joy, their actions creating a cherished tableau of childhood moments. The reality is that her home lacks internet connectivity and cell service; she doesn’t own a computer, and our phones are useless there. While video games exist, they are stationary and can’t be taken outside.

Without the interference of wireless signals, the atmosphere feels distinct.

The boys enjoyed a game of wiffle ball with friends and family as Papa grilled, Stanley the dog scavenged for scraps, and small conversation circles formed in shaded areas filled with lawn chairs. We engaged in conversations, savored our meals, and played games. We captured moments on camera, but without the urge to share them immediately, we remained focused on our surroundings even after taking the perfect shot. Our son ran freely, fell off a rock wall, scraped his ankle on a wild black raspberry bush, lost a tooth, and laughed alongside a group of cousins and friends.

As always, the connections forged in the summer air at my sister’s home outweighed any digital communication.

Eventually, the internet reached my sister's residence. Ironically, the vivid memories of those days are preserved because I documented some experiences to share online.

Despite the intricate web of signals and technology now woven into our lives, the natural world—earth, trees, and sun—remains unchanged. Perhaps we can enjoy the best of both worlds if we approach it with mindfulness and respect.

Personally, I continue to value those unrestrained moments spent among fresh air and wild black raspberries.

What Is One Moment In Your Life That You Treasure?

Dancing Elephants prompt 12 of 52

Chapter 2: Embracing Technology Responsibly

In this video titled "How to Repair Summer Infant Baby Monitor," the presenter demonstrates practical steps for fixing common issues with baby monitors, helping parents stay connected with their little ones.

The second video, "The REAL reason your internet is slow (and how to fix)," explores various factors that contribute to slow internet speeds and offers effective solutions to enhance connectivity.