Mountain Lane Homesteaders

Screen Day-I will Survive!

9:05 AM, Friday, August 18, 2006 .. Posted in Family Moments .. 3 comments .. Link

Everything is quiet now. I hear only the buzz of the computer, the fridge running, and a small crackle from the woodstove. I savor these peaceful moments yet until approximately 9:00am when the clock will signal the beginning of "SCREEN DAY".

Sometime during last school year I began noticing that it was too hard for my oldest to work on homework while the younger two who didn't have any were free to watch a video, or play on the computer and x-box. Remember, we are in one big open space so I'm sure this was a mixture of not wanting to do the homework as well as the distraction due to the noise. Since this was a daily battle I finally lowered the ax and announced that there would not be any more use of the "screens" during the school week period. Homework or not. Henceforth Friday and Saturday were the only two days screens were allowed.

What a relief this was. There were no more siblings racing down the path to see who could get home FIRST, so they could ask FIRST to use the computer. I got to stop having to figure out who went first on what screen when and how to be "fair" about who went next. Children began playing outside in the afternoons. It allowed for a quieter place for homework.

When summer was approaching I wondered how it was going to work out to stick to screen days. We have made it. Fridays and Saturdays only. The only problem that really came out of this was the misunderstanding that "screen day" meant that absolutely NOTHING else needed to be done and that 100% of the day was dedicated to being buzz heads. No need to get dressed or really even eat anything unless it could be had in front of the screens. Heaven forbid a chore having to be done. We have been working on clearing up that issue with the understanding that all screen day means is that it is at least AVAILABLE as an option. Like I said, we're working on that!

So, since today is Friday, I will sneak in a moment here and there between others to read up on what's happening with all of you. The rest of the time I will be here attending to whatever tasks I do reminding myself that we have made progress. I will remember the fishes that Caleb caught this week and the entire book that Charis read yesterday. I will remember how Mara spent time loving and cuddling the neighbors tiny newborn kittens. I will remember the quiet of Monday through Thursday.

And I will survive. Uh oh, it's 9:00.........

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Kids are funny

9:32 AM, Friday, August 18, 2006 .. Posted by Pattisea
We've had similar issues around here. When I assign each kid a chore, they think that's it! If I ask them later to sweep the entryway or take out the garbage they act like they are the most overburndened children ever to exist! LOL

Good for you sticking it out!

Patti
Ditto, Patti!

9:44 AM, Friday, August 18, 2006 .. Posted by teapots66
I know what you both mean... when we move we are contemplating a new computer for mom & dad and leaving the old one to be available for fun & occasional email. Now, who's room will it go to? I have a problem with email/internet access in their bedrooms, although there are loads of parental controls on my older daughter's account... but I've heard the best way to know what they are doing on the internet is to have the computer in a place where everyone is - like a family room, etc. Hmmmm.. well, happy screen day, friend! Hope you got some coffee to go with it - Chris
Children every where think they are overworked

2:30 PM, Sunday, August 20, 2006 .. Posted by mamabeart003
The toddler at the moment doesn't count he still thinks it is all a game to put stuff away and pick things up. However, the soon to be 8 year old thinks that we are mean and cruel parents for asking her to do a few things around the house and out in the yard.

Stick to your guns, if you give them an inch they will not just run a mile they will run all over you. It will eventually all work out, or at least so I am told. :)

I love reading your posts. My husband and I admire what you and your family are doing. :)

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About Me

My husband and I along with our 3 children, moved from Iowa to Montana 3 years ago fulfilling a long time dream of living in the mountains. Last summer we purchased and moved onto our bare land and are currently living in our home made cabin which has evolved from a shed to a barn to our cabin and future guest house. The foundation for what we now call "The big house" is dug and waiting for our next burst of energy!