India, Nov. 11 -- We are en route to Missy's school for a routine parent-teacher meeting when I choose to veer off the familiar road and take the newly constructed underpass. As we glide along its curve, I find myself wondering aloud about the connecting lane that would lead us to our destination. Almost reflexively, Missy leans forward and reaches for my phone, eager to summon the ever-reliable map.

"Hold on a moment," I say, half amused, half exasperated. "We're barely a stone's throw from home. Don't dull your instincts by depending so completely on that tiny glowing screen."

Within moments, we find ourselves turning into the familiar school lane. My daughter has perhaps unknowingly received a small lesson in trusting her inner compa...