As a household, we’re very cautious with technology and too much screen time for our kids. We’ve seen how they change when they’re on their tablets, video games, and in front of the computer too long. Their attitudes and actions are just simply not the same.

So, as a household, we’ve made the conscious decision to limit screen time and not allow much at all.

While I am certain that’s the best decision for their health, at the same time I’m conflicted. You do not want your children to get behind in the world of technology. You do not want them to be unavailable for friends when a “game date” becomes available.

Thankfully, both of our children are outdoor kids; they love hiking, sports, horseback riding, swimming, and so much more.

That said, my son and I were lying in his bed reading the other night when he started asking me questions about Jackie Robinson, Yogi Berra, and Johnny Bench.

My son LOVES baseball. His coaches even call him “Mr. Baseball.”  He’s a catcher and excels at it, throwing right-handed and hitting left!

“Dad, I learn about these players on Nintendo MLB 24, the new baseball game I have,” he told me. “I only pick the old-time greats. I learn about their stats. Was Micky Mantle really that good? Was he really that fast and could hit with that much power?” he asked.

So, we read about all of the great ones that night. Last night, we were reading about a player who was not as tall as the others.

“Dad, in baseball, if you work hard and have the skills, it doesn’t matter how tall you are. You can be a big leaguer,” he said. I told him that was true – there were plenty of amazing baseball players, past and present, who were not tall.

“I want to play in the big leagues! he proclaimed.

What a great conversation – and a great way to connect with him!

Personally, I have always struggled to connect with my kids. To be honest, I just don’t know how. It does not come naturally to me. I despise playing video games, so connecting through that medium is something that is extremely difficult for me. Frankly, I just don’t do it.

So, having this conversation with my son and connecting over baseball meant so much to me. It brought back the memories of playing with the baseball cards I inherited when I was his age. I recall reading the stats of the very same players, some of my childhood heroes, that I now shared with him:  Ken Griffey Jr, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, and more.

So, maybe there is a place for all this technology. Maybe it shouldn’t replace the great outdoors or the human experience, but if done the right way, it can enhance and encourage those.

It’s a great lesson for me as I look to connect with my kids.

It’s even more interesting when you think about how this same message can apply to business.

We are always looking to enhance our personal relationships. It’s a new world and there is so much more out there. But all of this tech doesn’t need to minimize what’s truly important, but maybe it can augment it.

Use the new tools. Don’t replace the ones you already have mastered. Just make sure you’re using them for the right reasons.

-J.D.