I like technology, and I use it everyday and any way I can. As you may know, my house is fully automated, from the AC to the lights to everything in between. I have done it all with the help of my little people. We have changed light switches and run wire over the years, all in a little project here and there. We have a great time doing this, and I do hope they are learning something. I think they need to learn how to change a light switch or outlet and run cables in their own homes.

So, what is the outcome of all of this for us? We get the fun of the automated home that lets them talk to Alexa to turn off the lights, raise or lower the AC, and even turn the fireplace on or off. Now some of this, and even I have said this, may be spoiling them or making them lazy. Just the other day, I told one of my boys that he left the light on in his room, and the first thing he did was yell, “Alexa, turn off boys’ light,” and smiled at me and walked off without another word. I couldn’t help but laugh and wonder, “What have I done?” 

Then, I thought about it for a while and came to the conclusion that it’s not spoiling them (maybe a little), but if my six year old can help me pull wire and knows how to change light switches and outlets and basic electrical principles, he is much better off. I think it’s great for them to learn this, sweat, and do the work themselves and/or at least see their dad doing the work instead of calling someone to do it for them. Too many times now, we just say, “There’s an app for that,” and there is, but rather than just passing it off to someone else to do the work, do it yourself with your little one. It’s fun and teaches them that they don’t always need to call someone else, and you get to spend time together not sitting on the couch. 

Oh yeah, the long game part…I’m waiting for the day when they call home and complain about their apartments and how they have to get up and turn the lights off and manually do everything. ■