The Technology Watchman

During the 2018 Teach Them Diligently conventions across the southeast, I was given the privilege to speak to men about homeschooling. Yet during this time, I was curious about what other dads were thinking and struggling within the homeschool life. Well, they wrote down some questions and I told them I would answer them. They cover all kinds of subjects and areas, so get ready for “Answers from the Husband of a Homeschooling Mom”

Today the question comes from Dink!

What do you see as the greatest challenge as being a watchman given today’s technology and its accessibility to our kids?

Dink, you have hit a grand slam of a question here. In today’s world, technology is the one thing that has infiltrated each person’s life. It is in everything from what we see to what we wear. Many people have a watch, bracelet, or a device that keeps up with their steps. Others have phones, tablets, laptops, or some other device that allows near instant communication with other people all around the world. We can watch hurricanes hit houses on the coast while living in Michigan. We can watch from the outside of a rocket as it takes off into outer space. We can model designs that will be built into prosthetics to allow a person to walk again. However, there is a dark side to technology. A side that also allows a person the ability to see absolutely anything that they want to and things that they don’t.  A side that allows things into our homes, lives, and our families that should never be there.

The Watchman credit:MTG:WOTC

Number 1

The greatest challenge in being a watchman in today’s digital age is simply being on guard. Dink, you can have all the apps in the world monitoring your kids. You can get with a great group called Covenant Eyes, that will send you information about what is being viewed or searched. You can have programs that will attempt to stop viruses from getting your personal information while your kids are on the computer. However, it all comes down to YOU! The greatest challenge is not giving in, not stopping, not becoming complacent in your duties. The greatest challenge is for you to talk to your kids, ask what they are looking at, keeping yourself above reproach.

 

Number 2

The second greatest challenge is the absolute unbridled freedom that exists to put anything on the internet. Don’t mistake what I am saying, I am all about freedom of speech and the ability to speak what is on your mind. However, with the technology that exists today, that same freedom that I do cherish also allows my kids and yours to see things that their eyes, minds, and spirits are not ready to see. Men, I tell you to be diligently watching and talking to your kids about what they see on their computers, phones, or tablets!

Time keeps on going and fatigue and weariness creep in bringing the watchman down. Stand strong men, your kids future will depend on the acts that you do today!

Till next time…
I’m just a Husband of a Homeschooling Mom,

Steve Blackston

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