I thought getting an Alexa would be good for our family. Instead, it ruined our manners.

Courtesy of the author

When I bought a lavender Echo Pop, I thought I'd found the best possible gift for my 5-year-old son. Just entering the "I'm bored" era of childhood, he often found himself at loose ends when I was occupied with household chores. But he was an innately curious kid, fascinated by electricity, marine life, and outer space. Guess who knew a lot more about those things than mommy, I told him — Alexa!