It’s been a stormy summer here in the Midwest. And we’ve been LOVIN’ it. We get to watch the storms roll in from our back window, and it is just incredible! But just like the storms outside, there are also storms that roll into our living room.
Yeah… not lovin’ those storms.
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Summer & Screens
At the start of summer, I made a deal with myself that I was going to limit screens. Especially for our youngest kiddo, who is a little too attached to the tube. It’s not easy, and I don’t have any magic formula, but I’ve managed to stay true to good screen limits and at least tame the technological beast.
The biggest thing I have to remember in my weak moments (because let’s face it, there are going to be weak moments… HELLO, strong-willed child who loves TV vs. tired mama wanting peace), is that my kid’s (not so pretty) plea for screens is like a storm before the calm.
After he realizes I’m not going to give in, he settles in, whether alone or with his siblings and starts playing, drawing, starts a puzzle, or goes outside, and he’s the happiest child.
And unfortunately, things like screens are such a quick fix that if I go to the screen immediately he’s not able to get past that hump and onto “greener pastures” if you will.
Boredom is crucial for our kids.
It’s essential to let them stew in that boredom a little and see what they move on to next. In our fast-paced culture, immediacy is king and our kids think instant gratification is par for the course. It’s SO hard to counter that! This article, Let Children Get Bored Again, sums it up so well.
So next time there is a storm in YOUR living room, think about this: boredom isn’t always a problem to be solved. It could be just the start of something amazing for your kid!
Photo by Flora Westbrook from Pexels
