I want my kids to not only be competent, but I want them to surprise people by how down to earth and capable they are. I want them to know where each vegetable/fruit comes from (tree, bush, plant, vine, underground) and I want them to know all the basic mechanical skills.
You know -- how to use a hammer, screwdriver, shovel, can opener, etc.
The boys (assuming we ever get more than one -- LOL) will learn how to operate power tools (drill, chainsaw, weedwhacker, push mower, riding mower, tractor) and other male skills, while the girls will learn a wide range of domestic skills.
I am WELL AWARE of the downsides of technology, so this article struck a chord with me.
I always say, "Go ahead and use modern technology if you want, but just KNOW what it does to you."
Technology is not "Better. Plain and simple." like a 20 dollar bill is better than a 5 dollar bill in every way.
No, having A/C is better than sweating it out in SOME WAYS (more comfortable), but worse in others (costs money, makes us soft, makes us want to stay indoors). As long as you acknowledge the trade-off, you can go ahead and use your technology (that includes myself!)
Cars are better than horse & buggy in SOME ways (faster) but worse in other ways (you can't produce your own gasoline, complex engine harder to maintain, wide-scale creation of Suburbs far from city center and services)
Calculators are better than pen & paper in SOME ways (faster), but worse in others (atrophy of brain pathwayss used to do math in your head)
Google is better than learning/memorizing facts for yourself in SOME ways (more convenient, no effort needed to memorize stuff) but worse in others (memorization skill down the toilet these days; everyone ignorant when not around an Internet-enabled PC)
Sometimes the answer is to use it in moderation. For example, leave the cell phone in your car when you go to the store. If you forgot what kind of bread to get, just do without. Next time, ask your wife before you leave the house.
Other technology should be avoided altogether.
Matthew