My kids are addicted to the computer.
Here's the problem: when I plan fun and interesting things for us to do I can keep Jack engaged for about 20 minutes and then he starts chomping at the bit for the computer again. When I say no, he and Lottie just fight. Fight and make huge messes for me. When I've finally had enough and need to feed the baby or make dinner or something I let him get back on and suddenly the house is quiet and calm and peaceful.
So no computer equals fighting and stress and yes computer equals quiet and happy, but I feel mom quilt....So what do I do?
7 comments:
i am totally with you on this. My solution has been to let the kids win about 80% of the time. It depends on what needs to be done, how I'm feeling, and if there is a sufficient distraction on hand. I figure someday they'll get older and if i start to see the side effects of to I much TV/computer, then I'll crack down harder. I'm probably Wong, but it works for us.
I meant "wrong". Stupid auto-correct.
If you make the computer a privilege,something they "earn" then maybe you won't feel as guilty. We had "bonus bucks" that the kids earned and redeemed for "screen time". It worked for a while, but like most incentive plans, I had to change it up once it stopped working. Or, you could post a schedule and only have the computer "available" during certain times, like when you need to fix dinner or get things done with some peace and quiet. Good luck with this one. It's so easy to give in when it brings peace and quiet to the house. I still struggle with this one, too.
I struggle with this too. I usually only let them do it when I really need to get something done or I really need some quiet. Tate and Bry will fight too and I'll have to stop what I'm doing and sit them both down and read a book and after that get out a toy that makes them think....like a puzzle or legos or something. I'm always looking for new puzzles and books when I go to the store. It just seems like I always have to have something new and interesting for them to do to keep them occupied. I know you are great with crafts and stuff. Does that work?
I say, buy them each an ipad.
I think I'm going to have to set up some kind of point reward system like you said Stephanie. The only bad part of that is that it kind of punishes me too. The other day Jack was awful so I took away the computer for the day and it was a REALLY long day for me.
I know what you mean Shauna, it seems like it has to be something new every day to keep them interested. Maybe that's the computers fault?
Maybe we'll just have to ride it out...
Our boys are a tad older...8 and 5. I bought a teddy timer and set it for 30 minutes when my kids want on the game system, lap top or to watch a tv cartoon. Yes, it was a fight for 2-3 days but after the timer is up they have to do something different. We were super tough after that and don't relent...yes we suffer at times..but now it is the law...ha ha.
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