My kids are asking -- as they have for the last couple of years -- for an iPod for Christmas. My wife and I have chosen to divert their expectations to other, less isolating gifts. We have this belief that kids need to be conversing with each other, building community and relationships more than memorizing the current pop hits. It seems that normal conversation is becoming a dying component of teen culture because of these devices (iPod, XBox, etc.).

Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are the crazy episodes of uninhibited, spontaneous activity - stemming from youthful group think.

Today's generation largely misses out on this due to devices that provide passive entertainment and isolation.

The results that we are experiencing with our daughters is a far broader friend base, a tendency toward reading when it is quiet (the iPod etc. is not awaiting them), and greater academic success because of focus while studying. It blows my mind that kids can't have a media break even when doing homework. No wonder there is little passion for school these days.

I know it’s a rant, but I think we are onto something...any other ideas?