We have a problem at our house. It is called the computer, and it has literally robbed my kids of their imaginations. All they think and talk about is the computer or saving to buy an Xbox.
They fight over whose turn it is.
They whine when I put it away to literally give myself a break from the arguing and such.
They recently spent a week at their grandparents house, and Bill and I made the decision to eliminate the conflict from the house.
Their computer “broke”.
Now, they know it isn’t really broken, but they get the concept…….the old laptop is no longer available for them to fuss and fight over.
As with any addiction, there is some clothes ripping and wailing. This morning, my youngest son came in and yelled at me, yes, YELLED at me, telling me how unfair and mean I am. Absolute and total disrespect and ugliness.
Tough.
I will not tolerate this crap any longer. The computer age is dead at our house. This laptop, the one I am writing this with, is the only gate to the WWW in our house, and it spends 3/4 of its day shut down now.
Life is being lived at our house, and my kids are going to have to buck it up and experience it with us.
We are their parents, and we know it is not healthy for them, so Bill and I are taking a stand.
I know that this is a different age that we live in, but I spent almost all of my free time riding my bike and exploring the creek near our home when I was young. I was a healthy kid, sweating and coming home filthy. T.V. had something like 5 channels, so there wasn’t something on to entertain us at all hours of the day. We did something called “playing”. Wow, what a concept.
I think parenting takes on a whole new challenge when you shut down the electronics. I am sure I will hear the word “bored” much more than usual. Fine. It is okay to be bored. Life doesn’t have to throw a juggling clown in front of you every second of the day.
There is a giant world outside, waiting for my kids to discover it.
Now, if we can all make it through the transition phase without caving……………….
Oh! The wheels are turning in my head. We don’t have a comuter problem as much as TV. This gives me encouragement to deal with that! Thanks!
Yeah, I keep saying that as adults we spend a lot of time being bored (business meetings, bus rides, doctors’ offices, etc.) and what better time to learn how to cope with it than when you are young?
Lovely photo by the way!
Amen. Ours are only allowed nintendo 2 days a week. And when the world switches to digital tv or whatever the heck it is, I’m not buying a converter. There are better things to do than watch tv.
)
WHEW!!!!!!!!
OMG when I saw the photo and read the title I thought… you shaved all his HAIR off!!!
So glad it wasn’t the hair that was going.
LOL.
Now WHY did I think I couldn’t get to your blog without a password? I haven’t been here forever because I thought I needed a password.
And my heart about stopped thinking you cut his lovely hair.
You’re the only one who can make decisions for your own family and no-one can tell you what you should or shouldn’t do (short of abuse). I’m sure you’ll figure out something that works for all of you.
I generally do the FREAK OUT and then we all hang for a bit, recovering, from you know, the FREAK OUT, and then we talk and figure out a solution. One of these days I’m going to stop reacting with the FREAKOUT.
Or not.
HUGS to you and Bill and the boyz. I”m guessing our princess isn’t missing the puter.
SOUR????? Gah.
I meant SORE!!!
Yes, I used to homeschool my kids… Why?
Be strong.
Hang tough.
You’re SO doing the right thing.
And one day your kids will be grateful for a childhood of sweat & dirt & sour muscles from riding dirt bikes over homemade jumps and you’ll smile.
And be glad you stuck it out.
Welcome to the World Meanest Mom club.
We have chocolate.
Our computer really is broken. I only get on time at work and obviously have to limit that. But it’s been a good break at home.
Good for you! It is the T.V. that I would like to get rid of here- I can’t stand to see my son glued to it. Need to be stronger.
Good luck Jody, I’m sure it will be tough. It really is different even from when I was a kid and I’m not even that old. I hope as you do, to instill a love of the outdoors in my future kids.
Speaking of which…I have good news on my blog. ;o)
He is soooo gonna make some lucky girl happy one day LOL!! He is such a gorgeous kid.
It is a hard committment but they are better for it. My son is 18 and he just now got a computer with privileges and He is not on all the time still because he knows how I feel about it and respects that. I have friends who never see there kids ever because they are always on line in thier own world. It is sad and rediculous. My son has also had x-box live for 4 years and hardly ever plays because the love of books were instilled and he was hooked and is an avid reader, the books win out everytime. I love it!!
The anger will pass and they will be fine, I hope they dont hurt you to bad!
Good luck Jody
I think it’s a great idea. I was raised with no tv, no video games, computer only for homework. I read a lot, I explored nature, I learned a lot of crafts. I played board games with my family. I don’t remember feeling deprived one bit. We also had NO junk food in our house. I mean, really hardcore. For the longest time – all the way until high school – I thought candy was dried fruit. Seriously, lol.
I’m pregnant now, and as soon as I got pregnant, we got rid of the TV. We do have 2 computers, but they’re used for an hour a day. So, I’m planning the same thing – no tv, no video games, no junk food. Kids need to learn, play, use their mind. All that other stuff plays for them, thinks for them, etc. Sometimes I see my cousin, who is 4, and she is like a zombie sitting in front of that TV. It’s crazy.
So, kudos to you for doing this.
wow…and I thought I was mean for banning them from video games for the day! LOL (after they tried to be sneaky by not brushing their teeth first, and saying they did) My kids have learned so much from video games, and really love them, I couldn’t imagine keeping them from them completely. I imagine they’d feel how I’d feel if my husband forbade me from the internet or my favorite tv shows….I’d resent him and learn how to hide it from him, basically become someone I’m not. I know in our day we played outside a lot, but we also didn’t HAVE personal computers and video games and satellite TV. I personally don’t like video games, but last week bought a Wii fit and we are having a blast as a family playing games together, while also getting into shape. I TOTALLY get the “tired of them fighting”….it happens here, too. Mostly Jonas picking on Jewel’s characters by constantly killing her, and then I have to have them take a break. Is it still hot there? It is here, so forcing them to go outside would not be a good option. I reintroduced them to their crate of toys and magazines….and I haven’t heard one “I’m bored” yet. I bet tomorrow morning they brush their teeth without me even having to ask, though! lol
http://sandradodd.com/videogames Some great articles on the benefits of video gaming….
I just re read your post, so basically what’s really bothering you is the fighting over the laptop? Would having more gaming choices for them stop that fighting? I think you’d be SuperMom in their eyes if you broadened their choices, rather then limited them. I’m just sayin’ I’m a mom that’s been there, wanting nothing more than to throw the Xbox out the window, now I help to find them competitions to compete in! I’ve accepted that they are video gamers, not athletes, not writers or readers, not me, they are who they are and I do my best to support them and their interests.
PS – When I saw the title and the picture, I thought you were talking about his hair….and I wanted to cry! LOL His hair is so beautiful…so glad it wasn’t the locks.
pSS – I have a 9 yr old begging to play video games…”"ppppppleeezzeeee….we have nothing to do?” LOL I’m afraid I’m about to cave!!
Good luck-my kids would kill themselves!
Wow… Look at that face! LOL! Stay strong, they’ll be better for it. We’re limiting computer time here for everyone , too!
I admire you. I have often thought it and not done a thing about it. And it is nothing but my own laziness that keeps me from doing it too. Shame on me, for real.
Also, what a perfectly gorgeous picture of your son. Oh, to be that young and beautiful. I would say he will be a heartbreaker, but I have the feeling he’ll be raised to be nicer than that!
Leeann
niccofive.blogspot.com
That’s a great idea! We have a rule that chores have to be done before tv or computer time, and their tv is not connected to cable. Plus, they have to pay to use either (only 10 cents an hour, but to them that’s ten cents they could use to buy toys). If it becomes an issue, I’m going to do the exact same thing you did.
That’s really admirable of you. Frank has been trying to do that at our house with Miss C. who communicates with her friends on Facebook (the bane to my existence). Especially where you all live, those kids should be OUTSIDE!!! Bravo to you and Billy.
my 12-and-unders get 30 minutes of video games Tues/Thurs/Sat IF they have been respectful to me and done mostly what is right lately. I have given my teens more leeway, but I think as we start school I am going back to an only-after-3pm/only an hour a day policy…. There are so many good books out there that they could be reading, instead of playing yet another game on facebook or whatever….
another mean mom
Mary, mom to 10