I keep writing articles about unplugging and experiencing life because I need to remind myself to do it.
I play with the iPhone at the park. I will excuse myself at dinner to go to the bathroom (check my messages). I am guilty of being plugged in to the borg when I should be experiencing the wonder of my children.
So I write the articles about unplugging as an exercise. The technological addiction is passing on to my children. My youngest, 22-month old Charlie gets excited by the slightest glimpse of an iPad, iPhone or portable video player. He will swipe and swap between games and videos all day - if you let him.
So I write articles about turning off the power to try and bring the practice to my own life.
Lately the mantra has moved to bedtime stories as the new book, Goodnight iPad, has been woven into our night night routine.
Author David Milgram wrote the parody book under the pen name Ann Droyd. The classic original, Goodnight Moon, written by Margaret Wise Brown in 1947 gets a swift update as the quiet fireplace and toys are replaced by a raucous family that would rather play games, watch tv and read eBooks than go to bed.
Each device is eventually unplugged by a frustrated mother who curls up at the end with a simple flashlight and a copy of the classic before bed.
As with each night time tome, my sons and I play a game of "I Spy" with the illustrations in the book. They quickly identify all the technology and gaming gadgets while simpler things, like night stands and fireplaces go unnoticed.
It's time to unplug and get back to the simpler things, I keep reminding myself. Hopefully this book will help remind my kids too.
Goodnight iPad will be released on October 27, but is available for pre-order now.
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