Unplugged...As most of you know, raising children is not always easy. Some days are more difficult than others. I'm here to tell you that older children are not always easier. Sometimes they have bad days. Sometimes, even though one is almost a junior in high school and the other leaves for college in the fall, they can act as petty as kindegarteners. Some days I get to hear what "he" did and then what "he" did to "get even." Really?!?! Seriously?!?! How old are they again? Hmmm.....well, even this mama can reach her breaking point and get "feed up." When that happens, things change. If I reach "that" point, I don't yell and I don't ground. I enact change. So this past Sunday afternoon, while they were bickering and not listening to their mama, things changed. Suddenly there wasn't a cord connecting the Xbox to the TV. And why is there a password on the computer? Hmmm......maybe there's been enough time with electronics and we need to learn to communicate again....maybe? And as I cooked dinner, I heard the distinct sound of a pool table in use and laughter as the "smack talk" began and after dinner, some basketball outside. It wasn't perfect, but it's a start. Just a little time spent together unplugged and if there is bickering, at lease it isn't over an inanimate object that sucks away time. Seeing their faces, hearing their laughter...that's magic...even if mama is a mean old lady.
As one mean old lady to another I say Great Job!I have so been there, done that! I find I feel a lot better myself when I unplug for awhile!
ReplyDeleteTeenagers act like that so when you pack them up to go away to university you do not cry as much. Senior year is quite challenging with "attitude". My two can still bicker and they are both adults. Go MOM!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! LOL Tracey... keep reminding me that, ok?
ReplyDeleteNice work mama!!! Unplugging is good for everyone :)
ReplyDeleteGood job, mama!!! (Many years ago, my 2 kids lost HBO--when they went days talking in the dialogue from Mr. Mom. Drove me CRAZYYYYYY!!!! Life got better, then, too!)
ReplyDeleteGood job, Mama!!! Sounds like something my mama has done LOL
ReplyDeleteWe "unplug" regularly too. No movies, no games, no radio, no computer, no cell phones.... Suddenly "fun" becomes so much easier!
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
way to go!! i'm tucking this action into the back of my mama mind for when my boys get a bit older :)
ReplyDeleteWay to go mama! I feel like the whole "unplugged" thing will be a challenge for me. I have an inkling that Silas will be a genius with computers, just like his dad, and will be able to outsmart mama no matter how many cords she takes away. ;) Glad your boys are back on friendlier terms.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I love you! I love parents who are not afraid to be parents, know what I mean? Too often, I see parents are too absorbed in their own gadgets to even notice what their kids are up to, let alone take such action to remedy the situation. I see it more & more & more. It is even more disheartening when you watch the kids be given MORE gadgets in order to pacify them, instead of taking the initial ones away! UGH!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have done this (technology fast) whenever I felt the "need" in our home and family. At this point, they don't feel like I'm being mean, they know its just necessary and they will eventually thank me for it. But, one of my readers suggested that we do it on a more consistent basis, either weekly or monthly. If I remember correctly, her family unplugged one day a week. I like the idea but just haven't put it into place. What do you think? One day a week? A weekend a month?
I guess that's why I like you so much--your meanness. ; ) I'm going to have to do lots of similar things this summer when my kiddos start fighting or looking zombie-like in front of the computer. I'm strapping on my Mean Mommy Armor (all rights reserved). Sounds like you already have your own. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm glad that our kids grew up before everyone had a smart phone or laptop. They enjoy them now, but they have their own kids now. :-) My older grandson has a bit of a problem playing games the whole time they are here.. I finally ask him to turn it off and talk to us. I guess I'm a mean grandma. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteHear, hear, I am behind you 100%, all technology is great, in moderation. I was surprised today when a friend of my son's (22yrs old) posted on facebook that he 'would have rather grown up in the times of old....what has the world become' Says a lot hey, when the young people are feeling discontent.
ReplyDeletexxx Sandi
Kudos to you for taking matters into your own hands!! My 15 and 10 year old sons have to share a room. It works out for the most part but there are those times that it doesn't and I've threatened to pull the plug on the xBox. Just the threat usually works. If not, I tell them to go outside if it's a nice day. That usually gets them to stop bickering. :) Have a beautiful day!!
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
I'm glad it helped shift their energy to something more positive. What a gorgeous mama you are! Jacinta
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...sometimes that "mean" mama knows what is best, even if the big kids don't admit it!
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