I understand literary criticism, but some of the comments seem so ad hominem! Why the harshness? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It's so easy for mean-spirited people to vent on-line.

Perhaps this woman has a lot in common with Amy Chua.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/columnists/susan-maushart

Kay, the book you're looking for is written by Amy Chua. Some thing about a 'Tiger Mom'. You really can't miss it, since this woman is being covered EVERYWHERE.

The project like others of this type seems indulgent and simple no matter how many data points the author has. Why would you deny your children every option to gain knowledge? My 4 year old fashioned a trebuchet out of Tinker Toys after watching the Discovery Channel. I think it’s a perfect foil to the Authors argument, a perfect marriage of old and new school.

It is very simple to build a wall and stand behind it. It is much different to live and learn walking outside that wall.

In the interview, the author and interviewer mentioned another book (possibly by Amy Cho? or something that sounded like that), on parenting / tough love, etc. I checked on Amazon, but couldn't find it? It sounded interesting... Does anyone know what the book is?

I don't understand the level of anger in this post. When ever anyone does something against the grain, it's like whoa~ You don't have to travel to a faraway place to unplug. Just be the parent and stand up for your values, and don't let the corporate culture determine who our kids are and how they behave! We take a balanced approach, it's not all or none, but most. We try and ask ourselves why we are letting our kids view media and if it's to keep them busy or occupied then the mental addition is no. Our kids only see the world we show them, especially important in the early years....

I am so energized by Susan's exercise and surprised at the negative feedback. Boredom is internal not external. Direct attention and time together is a gift.

Julie Cameron has a week of disconnect in The Artist's Way. I was amazed how much I got done and how much better I felt during that time.

You nailed it Veronica. The dithering DOCTOR can go, but please spare Lenny. I hear you, but I love Lenny.

Agree with the guest's observations. Digital communication has increased quantity and decreased quality of communication (if quality=depth), just like iPods emphasize quantity vs. quality of music...
But the best thing about this discourse is the discourse itself; is that we are conscious and considerate of the tech effect.

I pulled the plug on my oldest when she was 3 yrs. old and having 45 min. tantrums when I turned off Sesame Street. It has been almost six years later and have had to move her and her sisters to a progressive private school in order to support our family values. The media corruption begins at a very early age. our children are happy, not bored, and the absolute most creative, best things they come up with generally come 10 mins. after a major fit of boredom!
Wish this was more supported in public school system!~

I hear a lot of "I" in this conversation - imposing this on her kids - you make your life interesting or not

I know a 3 year old who uses her mother's iPhone to surf youtube and has taught herself spanish, though neither parent speaks it. There are good ways to use technology.

I enjoy a "blackberry Sabbath" starting on Friday sundown and ending Saturday sundown. I may carry my device but only for emergency phone calls. This helps me disconnect and regain perspective.

Is it just me or does this woman come off as a complete self-aggrandizing phony?

zzz!

... and I hate technology!

OF COURSE, private school, and did the nanny participate in this experiment too?

I think we invented the computer because we thought the world was fascinating and we wanted to learn more about it.

Boy is she annoying and pretentious! I would want to run far away from her. I would be very happy not to talk to her.

A whole chapter on boredom in her book - why is that not surprising. Zzzzzzzz .....

please, moderation, compromises, but 6 months with and 6 without!! gimme a break,

oh BTW, Thoreau, lived on his parents land in his parents cabin and when it got cold or he was hungry, he went to the big house for a warm meal or night's sleep.

susan you would do well to read or reread "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance."

hooey, i say, hooey.

ted

Good for you! Those folks who still have to contend with the digital divide would applaud your move--at least you seem to have a choice! More snotty revelations!

Agree with Danie's comments. Also, what steps have you taken to set your kids free from media exploitation in the form of being used for your experiment and book? The guest strikes me as self-involved and defensive.

We have become a nauseating society of self indulgent and self-important sheeple
as shows and authors like this amply
demonstrate.Golly, formerly great shows like LL have morphed into stomach turning presentations! Let's throw out the sheeple with the technology!

It seems to me that pulling the plug on excessive poor use of technology only to fill the gap with other wastes of time is in no way beneficial. Replacing chat/skype with the landline seems like a meaningless exchange.