the minute they put down the teething ring and found the Internet, you were useless as a source of anything but shoes and a winter coat.
In Barbara Kingsolver's "Flight Behavior," the shift from traditional toys to modern technology highlights a generational change in how children engage with the world. The teething ring, once a source of comfort and engagement for infants, is replaced by the allure of the Internet. This transition reflects a broader societal trend where screens have become the primary source of information and entertainment, leaving parents feeling sidelined in their roles as providers of knowledge and enrichment.
The quote illustrates the diminishing significance of parental guidance in a digital age, where children can access a vast array of information online. It suggests that once children discover the Internet, they may no longer rely on their parents to fulfill their curiosity and learning needs, thus changing the dynamics of parent-child interactions. Ultimately, this evolution raises questions about the effects of technology on childhood development and family relationships.
