TECHNO BABIES

To all the Mommies and Daddies of sweet little babes.......get ready! Right now, you are encouraging toddler play with blocks, puzzles, books, computer books, play programs, learning programs. We recognize these things as the "work" of childhood--in preparation for school, social rules--"let's share, now", hand-eye coordination, recognition principles....the list goes on.

Currently, computers are becoming as necessary as tricycles, baby dolls, and Legos to promote child development/cognition. At what age will your baby receive his/her first laptop? Age 5, 6, or 7?

Today, I learned of a research concept car for the Mercedes-Benz line. Forget about gas mileage, emission quotients, and crash-testing. I believe your baby will drive a car that his/her grandparents should dare not consider driving. This car (SCL 600) does not have a steering wheel, gas/brake pedals, or a rear-view mirror. It is driven by use of a joystick and the rear-view mirror is replaced by a video monitor.

In preparation for driving this new car, and in addition to necessary laptops, kiddie cell phones, you will have official recommendations from child development experts to make sure your child has a gaming system of some kind.

The gaming system will be necessary for kids to learn safe handling of automobiles on the super-highways of tomorrow. Take a look at the picture. All I know is, I'll be calling Callie to take me to run errands....and I will hold my breath and keep my eyes closed while riding with her!