Yesterday was an amazing day for me and the kids. While I didn’t get to do everything on my to do list (working out, writing fiction), I did get inspired to do a little deep cleaning in between writing, preparing for school, networking and more. Whew! I managed to get it done and decided to put up some goals for the kids when they came home:
- No pullups for Zoe, just underwear and potty visits
- Helping me clean after homework, including the playroom.
- An extra effort on homework for Zoe.
They were really not that compliant, but homework was successful and they eventually pitched into clean the kitchen. When I went back to getting them clean their playroom, it was NOT pleasant. Zoe went in first, but Amelia was really annoyed and elbowed me.
So I did the unthinkable.
I SHUT IT DOWN.
Not something I like doing, but I got firm and a bit louder (not yelling) and told her, “That’s it. No DS. No iPad. No games, no movies for rest of day.” She was pissed, but I didn’t dwell, I just moved on. That’s right: I DID NOT BRING IT UP THE REST OF THE DAY. No yelling. No reminders.
SHE JUST COMPLIED.
I think I looked out my window to see if aliens were landing or the sun was doing a surprise eclipse. Seriously, this is a first, so I’m SURE that I’ll be completely flumoxed the next time and blow it. But yesterday? I was cool hand luke with the discipline, keeping the electronics away from both kids for the rest of the day.
We had failures. Zoe was flat out not going to do her business in the toilet. I don’t know why but she refused. The room only got about 5% cleaner than the start but it encouraged the kids to play with their toys….QUIETLY. I mean, Amelia played with Barbies! Holy cow, my tomboy kiddo never does that.
THE BEAUTY OF NO ELECTRONICS ALL DAY.
We had peace and quiet and it was lovely. I got to feed my cleaning OCD bug and make a meal that everyone ate, including hubby when he got home from late shift. Amelia actually TRIED AND LIKED sweet potatoes! (Slathered in Earth Balance and cinnamon, yea but cool.) We three ate as a family. It wasn’t perfect: Zoe tried to figure the words to “Let It Go” from memory, so yea, still 0 days since someone sang from FROZEN.
But there was a beautiful atmosphere of peace and joy. We were huggy and lovey all night. I looked up at one point to see them pull out paper and markers and scissor – they NEVER do that!
Then, I put them to bed early. They shared a bed for a while and we had a ton of fun reading Peppa Pig and Bible stories.
I like this. I could survive summer with the kids home like this. It was SO good for them – and for me. As Amelia progresses toward being a Middle Schooler, I don’t want to waste the rest of these years behind iPads, video games, smartphones and TV/movies. I want them out and about, I want them using their curiosity, caring for their own home and getting busy taking care of themselves.
How about going tech-free every day??? Found some ideas at this post:
33 Activities Under $10 That Will Keep Your Kids Busy All Summer.
Here’s some things we could do this summer if we did!
At the river
Jerry Low says
Nice post. Me and my wife have been trying hard to keep the children away from electronics as far/long as possible. It’s very do-able (I wouldn’t say it’s easy though) when we are free – board games, outdoor activities, making food together, etc – but very challenging when either one of us need to get on work.
Gina B says
This is when it’s the hardest! We had an electronics-free day yesterday – as discipline, lol. Those days always start out with bad behavior and end up being the best.
Trish says
Thank you for Linking up! i think to truly appreciate technology, we just have to shut it down. otherwise it just becomes mindless! Love summer time fun!!!
Gina B says
This is a great point. It’s challenging, though. I like to relax for a few minutes here & there with Candy Crush, but kids interpret it as “I can be on the iPad ALL day!” I have to reel it in for the summer.