My daughter and I wanted to go out and do something special together. I suggested a nature walk. To make it really fun, I gave her a Sony Bloggie camera (disclosure: SONY gave me the camera to try out, but I’m not obligated to use it for any particular projects) so she could capture some nature. I took along my own camera and shot photos of her interacting with it.
What came from this is the chance to talk, to snap photos, to see things differently, and then to get the experience a SECOND time by looking over all our media after we got back. For instance, her videos were a lot of fun because she showed me how she saw the lake we were walking around. She focused on very different parts of the landscape than I did, and I somehow figured we’d both naturally just look at the same stuff.
In taking my daughter out solo, it gave us a chance to bond and to talk about things without me having to worry about what her little brother would get into. It also let me work directly with her age (almost 8). It further let us do something geeky together that let her stretch her abilities in a certain direction. Whenever you put tech in the hands of your kids, something interesting comes of it (well, depending on the tech, I guess). But it didn’t all revolve around the technology. That’s just what we did to frame it all.
It becomes important to give the other kid some time, too. I tend to favor my daughter because she’s older so we can explore in a different way, but my little boy is fun for the way he sees things, too. (That photo is of him with my dad, Steve Brogan, as they explore the big rock out by my parents’ house.) In this way, I can work with his special interests, and I can experience the world in his own way.
In the case of my boy, he’s almost too digital, so instead of doing projects with him and technology, I end up trying to strip him of all tech and make him experience the real world for a while. Mushrooms aren’t just something Mario steps on, for instance. They grow on the sides of mossy trees in Poppy and Gramma’s back yard. Birds aren’t just giant and yellow and live on Sesame Street. They fly through the trees out by the park by our house.
Parenting isn’t a set recipe and regimen. Sometimes, it’s all about the customization. I find that the way I amp up special time with my kids is by making sure the activities are very specific to each one, and that I find ways to give them one-on-one time.
How do you accomplish the same? How do you make special time more special?
Disclosure: the photos in this post were shot with a Nikon D300s that was given to me by Nikon to try out.
#
We gave our Little Dude (4 and three quarters) our old digital camera when we got a newer one, and I’m fascinated by how he frames the world. He’s looking at different stuff, in such a different way. It’s very cool to watch.
#
We get outside as well Chris. We have a great Forest Park near the city and the fresh air, trails and big trees just kind of help us reset our minds. For me (and the kids) it just seems like getting out of the house in general or our normal surrounds helps but when the weather gets better I find even pulling weeds in the garden brings up great conversations. Great post and so good to hear.
#
We gave our Little Dude (4 and three quarters) our old digital camera when we got a newer one, and I'm fascinated by how he frames the world. He's looking at different stuff, in such a different way. It's very cool to watch.
#
We gave our Little Dude (4 and three quarters) our old digital camera when we got a newer one, and I'm fascinated by how he frames the world. He's looking at different stuff, in such a different way. It's very cool to watch.
#
We get outside as well Chris. We have a great Forest Park near the city and the fresh air, trails and big trees just kind of help us reset our minds. For me (and the kids) it just seems like getting out of the house in general or our normal surrounds helps but when the weather gets better I find even pulling weeds in the garden brings up great conversations I usually would not usually have with them. Great post and so good to hear.
#
We get outside as well Chris. We have a great Forest Park near the city and the fresh air, trails and big trees just kind of help us reset our minds. For me (and the kids) it just seems like getting out of the house in general or our normal surrounds helps but when the weather gets better I find even pulling weeds in the garden brings up great conversations I usually would not usually have with them. Great post and so good to hear.
#
Chris,
I’ve already started doing special time with my daughter (Eva – 2 1/2), I try to get her outside with me once I get home each day so we can play sidewalk chalk, bubbles or even take photos (I let her use my Canon Point and Shoot and she does pretty well). We explore the backyard, front yard and everywhere in between. All the while I’m being “poofed” into different Disney princesses. We do have a lot of fun.
#
When my kids were younger we took a trip to Disney and gave them each a disposable camera (this was pre-digital ubiquity.) Those are some of my favorite shots, especially the ones the then-four year old took from his stroller! One looking up at his dad- the edge of the stroller canopy in the corner- couldn’t have been framed better by a pro!
#
Great post Chirs. For me, your last paragraph is the key; “Parenting isn’t a set recipe and regimen. Sometimes, it’s all about the customization. I find that the way I amp up special time with my kids is by making sure the activities are very specific to each one, and that I find ways to give them one-on-one time.”
When we treat our children as the individuals they are, we provide them with an opportuity to be unleashed to the person they were ‘wired’ to be.
#
I do the same thing when we take trips! Some of my favorite shots from our first trip to Disney came from my then-6-year-old’s camera. Seeing the world through their eyes is just priceless!
#
“Special time” looks different every time. It depends on the needs and desires of our family unit and kids. Sometimes the family needs some family time. A trip to the mountains last weekend was special for all of us. We connected, laughed, played, and had to rely on one another more than when we are at home.
On a separate note, I love watching my almost 6 yr old take pictures. She has a great eye and captures things I would never see! It’s a great reminder of the child’s perspective!
#
Great stuff Chris – seeing the world through the eyes of your kids is enlightening to say the least.
#
Chris,
I've already started doing special time with my daughter (Eva – 2 1/2), I try to get her outside with me once I get home each day so we can play sidewalk chalk, bubbles or even take photos (I let her use my Canon Point and Shoot and she does pretty well). We explore the backyard, front yard and everywhere in between. All the while I'm being “poofed” into different Disney princesses. We do have a lot of fun.
#
Chris,
I've already started doing special time with my daughter (Eva – 2 1/2), I try to get her outside with me once I get home each day so we can play sidewalk chalk, bubbles or even take photos (I let her use my Canon Point and Shoot and she does pretty well). We explore the backyard, front yard and everywhere in between. All the while I'm being “poofed” into different Disney princesses. We do have a lot of fun.
#
When my kids were younger we took a trip to Disney and gave them each a disposable camera (this was pre-digital ubiquity.) Those are some of my favorite shots, especially the ones the then-four year old took from his stroller! One looking up at his dad- the edge of the stroller canopy in the corner- couldn't have been framed better by a pro!
#
When my kids were younger we took a trip to Disney and gave them each a disposable camera (this was pre-digital ubiquity.) Those are some of my favorite shots, especially the ones the then-four year old took from his stroller! One looking up at his dad- the edge of the stroller canopy in the corner- couldn't have been framed better by a pro!
#
Great post Chirs. For me, your last paragraph is the key; “Parenting isn’t a set recipe and regimen. Sometimes, it’s all about the customization. I find that the way I amp up special time with my kids is by making sure the activities are very specific to each one, and that I find ways to give them one-on-one time.”
When we treat our children as the individuals they are, we provide them with an opportuity to be unleashed to the person they were 'wired' to be.
#
Great post Chirs. For me, your last paragraph is the key; “Parenting isn’t a set recipe and regimen. Sometimes, it’s all about the customization. I find that the way I amp up special time with my kids is by making sure the activities are very specific to each one, and that I find ways to give them one-on-one time.”
When we treat our children as the individuals they are, we provide them with an opportuity to be unleashed to the person they were 'wired' to be.
#
I do the same thing when we take trips! Some of my favorite shots from our first trip to Disney came from my then-6-year-old's camera. Seeing the world through their eyes is just priceless!
#
I do the same thing when we take trips! Some of my favorite shots from our first trip to Disney came from my then-6-year-old's camera. Seeing the world through their eyes is just priceless!
#
It’s great that you’re carving out special time for each of your children. Now that my kids are in high school and college, those times spent with each child one-on-one are among my most precious memories.
I also applaud your sensitivity in noting that your son may be “too digital.”
When they were young I made an effort to limit my kids’ use of technology.
Not because I’m a Luddite (Well, maybe just a little.) But because I believe that, to grow healthily–in mind, body and spirit–young kids need to experience the world through their senses rather than through digitally mediated experiences
My kids were “deprived” of TV, video games and online virtual worlds. But when the time came, they picked up the technology they needed. I must say they spend far less time online than their friends (or me.). But I like to think they use tech, rather than tech using them.
#
“Special time” looks different every time. It depends on the needs and desires of our family unit and kids. Sometimes the family needs some family time. A trip to the mountains last weekend was special for all of us. We connected, laughed, played, and had to rely on one another more than when we are at home.
On a separate note, I love watching my almost 6 yr old take pictures. She has a great eye and captures things I would never see! It's a great reminder of the child's perspective!
#
“Special time” looks different every time. It depends on the needs and desires of our family unit and kids. Sometimes the family needs some family time. A trip to the mountains last weekend was special for all of us. We connected, laughed, played, and had to rely on one another more than when we are at home.
On a separate note, I love watching my almost 6 yr old take pictures. She has a great eye and captures things I would never see! It's a great reminder of the child's perspective!
#
Great stuff Chris – seeing the world through the eyes of your kids is enlightening to say the least.
#
Great stuff Chris – seeing the world through the eyes of your kids is enlightening to say the least.
#
What a great idea. My son is almost 3 and I have an old digi-cam he could use…
#
It's great that you're carving out special time for each of your children. Now that my kids are in high school and college, those times spent with each child one-on-one are among my most precious memories.
I also applaud your sensitivity in noting that your son may be “too digital.”
When they were young I made an effort to limit my kids' use of technology.
Not because I'm a Luddite (Well, maybe just a little.) But because I believe that, to grow healthily–in mind, body and spirit–young kids need to experience the world through their senses rather than through digitally mediated experiences
My kids were “deprived” of TV, video games and online virtual worlds. But when the time came, they picked up the technology they needed. I must say they spend far less time online than their friends (or me.). But I like to think they use tech, rather than tech using them.
#
It's great that you're carving out special time for each of your children. Now that my kids are in high school and college, those times spent with each child one-on-one are among my most precious memories.
I also applaud your sensitivity in noting that your son may be “too digital.”
When they were young I made an effort to limit my kids' use of technology.
Not because I'm a Luddite (Well, maybe just a little.) But because I believe that, to grow healthily–in mind, body and spirit–young kids need to experience the world through their senses rather than through digitally mediated experiences
My kids were “deprived” of TV, video games and online virtual worlds. But when the time came, they picked up the technology they needed. I must say they spend far less time online than their friends (or me.). But I like to think they use tech, rather than tech using them.
#
What a great idea. My son is almost 3 and I have an old digi-cam he could use…
#
What a great idea. My son is almost 3 and I have an old digi-cam he could use…
#
We’re in the middle of an 11-day road trip with our four kids. I’ve been encouraging my two older kids to take pictures of whatever they find interesting along the way. They have Nintendo DSi’s with them, which double as digital cameras. In the interest of disclosure, I paid full asking price for both products. 🙂 It’s fun to see what they find photo-worthy during our journey. My 11-year old son recently started blogging (not on a public platform) and he LOVES it. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
#
Pretty well is an understatement of Eva’s photo taking ability. I think she is a natural.
#
Hey Chris, I’m amazed at the way spending time with my kids brings out the best in both of us. I find that whenever I spend time with my children weather we planed the event or not we both almost always walk away from it having learned, grown closer and just had a great time.
Interestingly thought I’m not sure if parenting isn’t a recipe. Quality time + love + individual attention to each specific child’s needs = healthy, happy, cared for children.
#
If anyone want’s an excellent book about understanding your children’s needs you should check out Deb’s site at MyWiredStyle.com. She has recently released the Discovery Adventure Club. This is an excellent book about four children who go on an adventure. Each of the kids in the book has a different personality that corresponds to one of the personalities in the DISC personality profile. When you read this book to your children they can identify with their personality strengths. The book is an excellent discussion tool and great way to spend quality time with your kids.
#
We're in the middle of an 11-day road trip with our four kids. I've been encouraging my two older kids to take pictures of whatever they find interesting along the way. They have Nintendo DSi's with them, which double as digital cameras. In the interest of disclosure, I paid full asking price for both products. 🙂 It's fun to see what they find photo-worthy during our journey. My 11-year old son recently started blogging (not on a public platform) and he LOVES it. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
#
We're in the middle of an 11-day road trip with our four kids. I've been encouraging my two older kids to take pictures of whatever they find interesting along the way. They have Nintendo DSi's with them, which double as digital cameras. In the interest of disclosure, I paid full asking price for both products. 🙂 It's fun to see what they find photo-worthy during our journey. My 11-year old son recently started blogging (not on a public platform) and he LOVES it. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
#
Lots of kids have “Nature Deficit Disorder” It’s wonderful to hear how you are making memories with your kids!
This post has given me something to ponder. I have to take our thirteen-year-old son to allergy shots twice a week and it is a shlogg for both of us, pretty dang boring other than hysterical conversations mostly revolving around YouTube videos and WoW.
#
Pretty well is an understatement of Eva's photo taking ability. I think she is a natural.
#
Pretty well is an understatement of Eva's photo taking ability. I think she is a natural.
#
My daughter is six and loves to take off with my point and shoot. She’ll snap a hundred pictures and want to print them all! Lately, she’s been dressing up the puppy and posing her with props to great effect. My son is two and has just recently started demanding to use the camera, although he mostly photographs action figures and his toes.
I stay at home with them so we already spend a great deal of time together but it never a bad idea to tune into your kiddos on a one-to-one basis. It is really amazing to see life from their point of view.
#
Hey Chris, I'm amazed at the way spending time with my kids brings out the best in both of us. I find that whenever I spend time with my children weather we planed the event or not we both almost always walk away from it having learned, grown closer and just had a great time.
Interestingly thought I'm not sure if parenting isn't a recipe. Quality time + love + individual attention to each specific child's needs = healthy, happy, cared for children.
#
Hey Chris, I'm amazed at the way spending time with my kids brings out the best in both of us. I find that whenever I spend time with my children weather we planed the event or not we both almost always walk away from it having learned, grown closer and just had a great time.
Interestingly thought I'm not sure if parenting isn't a recipe. Quality time + love + individual attention to each specific child's needs = healthy, happy, cared for children.
#
If anyone want's an excellent book about understanding your children's needs you should check out Deb's site at MyWiredStyle.com. She has recently released the Discovery Adventure Club. This is an excellent book about four children who go on an adventure. Each of the kids in the book has a different personality that corresponds to one of the personalities in the DISC personality profile. When you read this book to your children they can identify with their personality strengths. The book is an excellent discussion tool and great way to spend quality time with your kids.
#
If anyone want's an excellent book about understanding your children's needs you should check out Deb's site at MyWiredStyle.com. She has recently released the Discovery Adventure Club. This is an excellent book about four children who go on an adventure. Each of the kids in the book has a different personality that corresponds to one of the personalities in the DISC personality profile. When you read this book to your children they can identify with their personality strengths. The book is an excellent discussion tool and great way to spend quality time with your kids.
#
Lots of kids have “Nature Deficit Disorder” It's wonderful to hear how you are making memories with your kids!
This post has given me something to ponder. I have to take our thirteen-year-old son to allergy shots twice a week and it is a shlogg for both of us, pretty dang boring other than hysterical conversations mostly revolving around YouTube videos and WoW.
#
Lots of kids have “Nature Deficit Disorder” It's wonderful to hear how you are making memories with your kids!
This post has given me something to ponder. I have to take our thirteen-year-old son to allergy shots twice a week and it is a shlogg for both of us, pretty dang boring other than hysterical conversations mostly revolving around YouTube videos and WoW.
#
My daughter is six and loves to take off with my point and shoot. She'll snap a hundred pictures and want to print them all! Lately, she's been dressing up the puppy and posing her with props to great effect. My son is two and has just recently started demanding to use the camera, although he mostly photographs action figures and his toes.
I stay at home with them so we already spend a great deal of time together but it never a bad idea to tune into your kiddos on a one-to-one basis. It is really amazing to see life from their point of view.
#
My daughter is six and loves to take off with my point and shoot. She'll snap a hundred pictures and want to print them all! Lately, she's been dressing up the puppy and posing her with props to great effect. My son is two and has just recently started demanding to use the camera, although he mostly photographs action figures and his toes.
I stay at home with them so we already spend a great deal of time together but it never a bad idea to tune into your kiddos on a one-to-one basis. It is really amazing to see life from their point of view.
#
I do the same thing when we take trips! Some of my favorite shots from our first trip to Disney came from my then-6-year-old's camera. Seeing the world through their eyes is just priceless!
#
I do the same thing when we take trips! Some of my favorite shots from our first trip to Disney came from my then-6-year-old's camera. Seeing the world through their eyes is just priceless!