Interaction

I saw something very interesting today: A woman was pushing a little girl (probably a toddler over 2 years old) in a stroller, and she had the tell-tale tail of white wire from her ear buds to an unknown music player.

I have an iPod. I love it! It's a simple little "old fashioned" iPod Nano, the one that doesn't play video. I don't use it much. Why? Because when would I be listening to something by myself? When can I really tune out of my environment enough to put in my own ear buds and listen to music or books on tape or anything? That would be when I could listen to it on the stereo (and, although my earphones are great, there's nothing like the speaker's I married in to).

I have little ones running, scooting, or other-type-locomotion-ing around, getting into whatever I really want them not to get into, and doing things that require one ear be somewhat aware of where they are and what noises they are (or are not!) making. How can I possibly do that with ear buds in?

Then, if we go on walks, where I'm sure they are with me and occupied (for example, with the woman I saw with the child this morning), my girls keep up a constant stream of chatter that demands my attention. They thrive on my interactions with them, especially when they are positive. Sitting in the van, they tell me stories, ask me questions, and talk with me (yes, not just at, but with, although it isn't exactly subject material that I'm always interested in). If I were to put in my ear buds, these golden opportunities for interaction would be lost.

So, is that why my girls are so verbal? Is that why they chatter so much? Should I put in my ear buds?

Alas, for now, I think I will have to wait for a future time when I can listen to things on my iPod. For now, I'll just plug it into the car stereo and we can all sing along to primary songs, or children's songs. Even if it isn't always what I want to hear, at least it's still fun!

Oh, and as for walks. Well, let's just say I even enjoy those conversation opportunities.