Hello all, can you believe summer is over and school is back? Unbelievable. After taking August off, I’m ready to get back in the saddle.

You may have seen a Visa commercial which aired this summer of a family on a vacation together. It was a depiction of something I talk about in Close Kids Forever concerning modern technology. While it is pointless to rail on technological advances, it is useful to look at how they can affect your family. In the commercial, something interesting happens as the family is in the car together. One child is listening to an MP3 player, one child is playing a handheld video game (with headphones on) and one was watching a movie (also with headphones on). The father is driving in complete silence. Several times he turns to say something and stops because no one will hear him.

Of course at the end, everyone takes a swim together and the commercial has a happy ending. But in terms of “connecting kids”, this could (and I emphasize could) be a problem. Here is why

It is now possible to take a 10 hour road trip with the family and never even speak to each other.

Technology today is trying to create “isolation zones”. Whether it is I-pods, personal game players or mounted TVs in cars, they all do the same thing. They free people from the outside world. While some relaxation and alone time is certainly good and necessary, parents can’t let it get out of control if your goal is for your kids to be as close as possible.

I’m not saying get rid of anything, but remember these points:

1. Limit personal technology when better options for communication and playtime are available
2. Don’t underestimate the value of short trips and their ability to help bond your kids. If the TV comes on every time you are in the car, you might consider if that is right for your family
3. Have fun together! I hope this helps you and your family have a “Close” month!

My very best,
Brett A Johnston
Author, Close Kids Forever

PS. If you are interested in having the Close Kids Principles shared in your next group meeting or church function, please use the contact tab and get on our schedule!