Today’s Wall Street Journal blog post drums up mixed emotions for me.
It talks about recent apps that Fisher Price has developed, targeted both to moms (facebook) and toddlers (iphone). Although I haven’t had a chance to experiment with either, I do see real potential with the Facebook application. The ability to organize photos and selectively share them (or not) with certain friends seems very helpful. The iphone app I am just not sure about. It’s obviously for parents to purchase and download, but truly meant for toddler use and enjoyment. The “marketing mom” in me thinks this is a very savvy and targeted product from Fisher Price, plus an easy way to buy time when you’ve run out of entertainment ammunition. From Apple’s standpoint … man, hook those potential brand loyalists in young! However, the “traditionalist mom” in me is a little concerned with wiring up a toddler. Yes, we want them to be tech-savvy and prepared for what will likely be a totally digital life that they will lead … BUT, how about the old-fashioned art of learning patience? What about getting back to the basics of simple fun and creative self-entertainment?
I am just as guilty as the rest in terms of looking to simplify and streamline everything in my life, but maybe some things really shouldn’t be. What do you think?