My son has recently discovered YouTube and has developed a keen interest in math-related videos. His favorite show is Numberblocks, and he also enjoys watching kid-friendly videos exploring math concepts that are a bit too advanced for him.
We are supportive of his screen time choices, as we have considered the potential effects and are willing to accept some eye strain if it means he can indulge in his passion for math for an hour every day. This allows him to satisfy his curiosity without bombarding us with the same questions repeatedly. Additionally, we hope his enthusiasm for math will rub off on his younger sister, who has yet to show interest in screens.
Currently, our daughter’s attachment to us resembles that of a koala to a tree. She insists on being carried for several hours each day, and no activity or toy can distract her. While this has resulted in some shared back pain between my wife and me, we have become experts at performing tasks with one hand. We can crack, fry, and serve an egg with ease, but buttering a slice of toast proves to be a challenge.
When my son was her age, his obsession was with the popular song Baby Shark. Curious to see if it would captivate his sister as well, we revisited the video after five years. Watching it now evokes a bittersweet feeling, as if time has been erased. Although I know I watched it countless times, it feels like a relic from ancient times.
I vividly recall the tiresome phase when Baby Shark dominated our lives. However, as I try to reminisce and compare my memory of that time with the present, both the video and the news stories of that period seem to have vanished from my mind. The sleep deprivation during that period likely contributed to this memory loss. Even the significant events like the Gatwick drones and the Yellow Vests movement are mere fragments of recollection.
Although Baby Shark no longer resonates with us, it triggers a faint recognition in my son. He furrows his brow in the “How do I know you?” manner when he encounters a relative after a long absence. However, my daughter is enthralled by the video. Her eyes widen, and she claps her hands as if she has never heard a more enchanting song.
My son quickly loses interest and returns to posing math problems, which we gladly entertain. If he needs to engage us with equations to distract his sister, it is a small price to pay. We have done the calculations, and it is a worthwhile trade-off.
Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? by Séamas O’Reilly is out now (Little, Brown, £16.99). Buy a copy from guardianbookshop at £14.78
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