TRACKING THE TECHIE TOT

Ialways swore that my child would never be a TV junkie. I would guide him with books and games and educational toys. I pledged to follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics — no TV ever before the age of two.

And for a good, long while I kept my promise. Until what had once been relaxing and tranquil restaurant dinners  became chaotic relay races chasing after my busy boy, dodging waiters and annoying unamused fellow diners.

As a result, out went my convictions to a TV-free childhood and in came the Flip Video camera. Whip it out, turn it on and my sweet, calm, well behaved — and anchored — angel reappears.

“The Flip is the new pacifier,” claims my mother. And I wonder: Does she have a point?

With the presence of digital cameras, cell phone videos, Kindles, BlackBerrys and iPhones, not to mention YouTube, Instant Messaging and Skype, is this communication overload too much for our tiny toddlers? And will the exposure encourage a generation expecting instant gratification and response at lighting speed?

Maybe, but I’m not so sure it’s all that bad.

Our children are growing up in a digital age, surrounded by technology, much of it visual. The theory goes that this technology may make our tiny tots more creative and willing hands-on learners and sharper, more sophisticated young adults. They will be America’s — and the world’s — most technologically proficient generation. And their lives will be largely defined by the technology they master.

So, for the moment at least, I guess I’ll let the little guy keep watching.

 – Moms and the City is comprised of Denise Albert, Melissa Gerstein and Raina Seitel Gittlin, three mothers who are also working media professionals. E-mail moms@metro.us.