It had reached time to consider switching phones and cellular plans.
Our decision was rather easy. What would Noah most like? Yes. It's
true. While Noah is gaining proficiency with his Tobii Eye Gaze Device,
we still rely heavily upon his IPad and apps associated with it. We
also learned of a new app that rolls out in 2015 called Talkitt. This
new app will have a $20 monthly subscription and offers the potential of
deciphering Noah's mumbled words into recognizable speech. Something
that requires the use of the IPhone.
We've only had the phones
a short few days and already Noah has decided that "Face Time" is the
best thing to ever have been created in the age of technology. Finally
Noah has a way he can visually see is dad when he is away from him.
And if you have any idea on how close Noah is to his dad, then you
understand that this is game changing for me. Can I get a hallelujah
for face time with dad?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and
the Canadian Society of Pediatrics cautions against the use of cell
phones, internet, IPads, and TV with children indicating that such
technology "has been shown to be associated with executive functioning
and attention deficit, cognitive delays, impaired learning, increased
impulsivity and decreased ability to self-regulate." Given Noah's
physical challenges, I say his cognitive, learning and self-soothing has
done nothing but climb through the roof with the gift technology has
brought into his life. If only I had discovered the IPad when Noah
was only three months old, maybe I then would have found a way to
comfort such a distraught, inconsolable baby.
It's okay Noah,
really lots of parents give in and get cell phones for their children.
Age six is a little early - but hey, you're worth it. So our data plan,
my son, is dedicated to you. Face time and talk to your little heart's
content. And in the meantime I'll seek out that employee discount that
we so desperately need to keep up with your new desire to be a "Chatty
Cathy."
Love,
Noah's Miracle by Stacy Warden is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.