Kids and Phone/Computer/Game Thoughts
I haven't written about all the wonderful comments I received on my parenting questions post. I wanted to read them all again and reflect a bit. I found it really, really helpful....and reassuring. Overall, you all made me worry less!
Cell phones: I'm now leaning towards getting simple phones for the guys. Your comments were reinforced by my friend Nancy in Maine who wrote to tell me her nephew was in school at the time of the recent Omaha school shooting. The school was in lockdown but he was able to text to tell his family that was o.k. Whew. Not that I expect the boys to be in that situation (shiver) but life is full unexpected turns God only knows....and now that the guys are getting to the point where they sometimes walk places on their own, it might be reassuring. God knows Owen is rotten at following the "call me when you get there" rule but he REALLY wants a cell phone so it might make him feel so important and grown up that he would actually do it.
Computers: I am deeply, deeply attached to my computers---our aging iMac that is in the kitchen, as well as my crumbling laptop. The boys love being on the computer---which primarily means YouTube for videos related to the Mario plushes and games or Lego. We moved it into the kitchen when Judi moved in with us and even though it's a bit cramped it keeps it out in the open. And besides, Ernie and I can watch YouTube while we cook! The guys don't seem to realize that they can take the laptop upstairs. I suppose that will come...but for now, until Leo starts using the computer for school I think we're o.k. We'll see how middle school (yikes) goes for Leo next year.
Video Games: Sigh....well, here's the one that I struggle with the most. On one hand I agree with Amy who wishes they'd never been brought into the house. I'm comfortable with what games we allow them to use however (we're pretty strict about violence in them) and I was intrigued by Jean's suggestion of the strategy/history games. I also totally agree with Lisa that the more you forbid things the more they want them which is why I hate to get too specific because Leo will always win in any battle of the wills. Unfortunately we don't use our tv much until late evening (well, not unfortunately but you know what I mean) so it is always available. I do see a change in behavior (primarily Owen....any gasps of surprise out there?) when they've been playing games too much but I think I will steer from specific 'x amount of time' rules for now and just go by behavior..... I think we need to institute a 'no computer or games until homework is done' rule though. Of course I'm not the one home at that time so it will be up to Ernie. The guys have always been pretty good about getting homework done early but we seem to be slipping.....
All in all your comments reassured me. There are no magic answers but I think we're muddling through o.k. Thank you so much----any more comments or thoughts on this would be great too!
And of course there are good things about the games....because you really haven't lived until you've seen Owen dance to Michael Jackson with his new Michael Jackson Experience game.....pure joy, focus and passion.