Obsession
I have talked about this before. But oh how the computer sucks them in? It must have this hidden trance. The spell has definitely been cast over my boys. Even the baby wants in on the action. I can find Shag sneaking in the office, sitting on the chair, banging away on the keyboard.
Santa brought the Lego Indian Jones PC game. I'll tell you what, they beg, bargain, and sneak to play it.
Our house rule is that there is no gaming until after lunch. Then it is timed play. Over the Christmas break, we had let the timed play slip a little. That is probably contributing to the obsession.
Does anyone else have this issue? We definitely need some guidance. I even find Commander playing Indian Jones after dark. Another deeply embedded gene I can not fight?
17 comments:
You know, quite honestly, I gave up years ago! LOL My three kids, 11, 7, and nearly 2, are all "techy" kids...Computer and TV, Wii and Nintendo DS for the older two. We have always limited what they are allowed to watch/play, and spend a lot of time watching and playing with them, but haven't been strict with the time limits necessarily. I worried at times, especially with my first, but as time went on I found that she was able to think creatively, play socially, keep up with everyone else physically, and speak intelligently. I've quit worrying. My oldest daughter doesn't read quite as much as I'd like her to, and I worried at one point that it was my fault for not establishing more strict limits, but then my 7 year old DEVOURS books, and the same rules have applied to her. Personality I suppose. I don't know if I've been right to be free with the technology time, but so far, so good. My oldest girl holds a 95 overall average in her first year in Middle School, and my second grader reads at a fifth grade level. We'll see what happens with my sweet boy, but at this point he physically active and loves books, balls, coloring, and Legos despite his adoration for The Wiggles and Cars! :)
I guess you just have to do what's right for you and your family, and let your heart, not necessarily "the experts" be your guide. Something tells me your Mommy instincts are spot on...Look at those faces! How could they not be! ;)
Wait...We do have one "time" rule...homework first. :)
My little one is yet to discover the computer - she can't work the mouse. But once she does, I know it's all over considering my own addiction! haha!
Luckily, we don't have this problem yet. I love the look of the photo and the muted colors. Very cool.
look at them... those faces... my goodness! they are so dipping cute!
not an issue yet over here... the good thing... they sure will be computer savvy!
My girls love their Leapster computer and the regular computer...they ask to play ALL day. I let them play, but time it...usually only a half an hour a day.
PS love the blocks message...really cute!
Those faces,darling, yes they love the compture homework first, then they can play! as long as it's parent approved!
LuLu
What a funny picture!
That looks exactly like my three kids at the computer.
I just set the timer for 15 minutes and when it beeps, the next kid gets a 15 minute turn. When they're done they have to get up and do chores. Then if they do a good job, I let them have a little more time and we start the cycle over.
I know this probably sounds horrible, but Ella has been using the computer for probably a year now (she is 3 1/2). We would get on and play games from like Disney.com. Then because she took on so well, I bought her a Dora game and she loves it. Hubby is a gamer and well, you know how it is blogging, plus I work from home. Sometimes when I bring her into my office, she will get on my friends computer and paint a picture from Disney.com using a trackball mouse! I hate those things. I dont know how she caught on to using it.
In any case, Ella is not quite as old as your boys so I dont find it a horrible thing yet (in moderation) because she learns so much and has fun doing it.
Look at their faces though. They are so entranced with what is going on. I love their expressions. You caught an adorable moment. Good luck!
I think balance is the key. Our little guy loves, loves, LOVES the computer. He also loves to play with his toys. He also is pretty damn skinny, so I'm not too worried about him. I just watch to make sure it doesn't get out of hand.
Of course, Daddy is a BAD influence!
since daddy is a huge tech-geek, it doesn't help around here much either. i don't know the answer...but if you keep getting cute shots like that one? whattya gonna do? i LOVE the headphones, they crack me up!
Oh man, we are having the same problem with the Wii game...Coen now wakes up VERY EARLY to play a game...I'm starting to really hate that thing!
Best of luck unplugging your kids! ;)
Really cute shot, btw!
We haven't gotten into this issue yet but I'm sure it will happen. you'll have to let us all know what works!
Wow, look at the concentration. I have no advice to offer you. I'm still trying to figure out how to break the spell for myself, much less the kiddos! LOL!
Right now mine is only obsessed with TV but the game are not that far off. Funny thing is that I find all my boys the 36 y.o., 2 1/2 y.o and 9 month old all mesmerized by some kids show. I stop fighting about it months ago.
I think this is something we will deal with for years to come---boys and their toys....sigh!
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