Today has been a flash back when my 15 year old was about 5 and I said no more TV today... TV was the best single parent babysitter. When they were babies we would sit on the couch cuddled together in some way and we would watch a movie and sometimes I had a bit of a nap.. It was great! But turning off the TV always started the begging.. one more mom.. PLLLEEESE.. Nope, it went off and whining would begin.. It took about 2 hours of pouting and "I"m bored" before creativity would kick in.. then out came the thomas the tank engine clicky clack tracks and our little place became grand central station. Well, fast forward to today, about 10 years later. When I discovered a 'D' on a Geometry test where no homework was done, and a C- in Chemistry for a missing lab assignment I had to take all the electronics. (A family rule set before school started, a D and you lose your phone until it's corrected) While I only took the iphone away I disabled the wifi on his chromebook and ipad. (mac addresses on the router, super easy) The begging began in a much more teenager way.. Teen: "Just turn on my wifi mom!"
Mom: "Nope, wifi and cell phones are for kids with good grades" Teen: "It's just one mistake and you never said you would take my phone" Mom: "It only takes one, and yes I did" Hours later I get ... Teen: "I just want to get out of here!", Mom: "No, you're grounded for lying to me that you did all your homework and it was the teacher's fault he didn't record it. " Teen: "I don't like you" Mom: "I know you only like me when I let you do what you want and buy you something, right?" Teen:... storms up stairs.... Then he's mad that he has no phone, so I gave him chores. He's pouting he can't see his friends, so I took him to apply for a job. He finally admits he got behind in math because he fell asleep in class and didn't know how to do a proof so I called his tutor. He wants to go surfing.. but his board needs work. Yippee, he found a project! We get what he needs and he turns the garage into a surfboard repair / paint shop.. It took all day but he finally found his creativity and got over his terrible electronic addiction. I hope he has learned some problem solving skills but it sure was easier when he was 5 and remembered how to play with his toys again. |
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March 2017
AuthorMaxine Manz |