I was talking with a customer at a show this past weekend and the subject of TV came up. I told some amusing story about Ryan and his love of WWII documentaries. The woman commented, "At least he isn't playing video games all day." I smiled, and she left. Her comment, however, stayed with me.
I thought about what she said. I thought I should have told her that Ethan spends a great deal of time playing games on the computer. I thought I should have told her that there is nothing wrong with playing video games all day. There is nothing wrong with watching TV all day. There is value in everything, but society doesn't seem to think there is value in children using these things for entertainment, or learning, or fun. Mostly, though, I wondered why I was thinking about her at all.
I know that my guys are happy. I know they are learning and growing. I know that computers, TV, and video games are tools people to get things we need and like. Still, I felt that I ought to have said these things. Part of that is my desire to share how wonderful Unschooling is for us. Part of it is my own to justify myself and my life to other people. The former is something I think is something worth keeping. The latter is something I am learning to let go.
People have a right to learn and live in ways that make sense to them. That is what the first was about. It stemmed from a belief I have always had. Many times, other people try to enforce their views of what constitutes the best ways to live and learn on other people, especially children.
Both of my sons have gotten a great deal from TV and computers. First and foremost, they have gotten enjoyment from them. Electronics have made them smile and laugh. Not incidentally, they have both learned a great deal from their electronics. I think they have learned more from TV and computers because they enjoy using them. They aren't forced to watch things that are educational. They watch what they want and take away insights from what they see. I'm glad they can spend their days watching TV and playing video games if that's what they want to do.
I wish my customer could get as much out of TV and games as my guys do. If she did, I bet she'd have a lot of things to think about instead of focusing on what other people are doing.
