We’ve created the monsters that we call kids. We’ve showered them with gifts and review new products that span every tech gadget imaginable. Now I have a 9 yo boy who can’t seem to find anything else to do with his life but play video games, watch videos on his iPod and play on the computer. I blame us.
I’m first to say I’m lost without my laptop or computer. I don’t leave a room without my phone in my hand or pocket. BUT I also know the enjoyment from reading a good book (nevermind that it’s on a kindle) or getting creative with a craft. Shaun seems lost without something with an on/off button lately. He’s at a age where toys aren’t appealing anymore. Playing outside is hard lately. It’s cold, rainy and the other kids in the neighborhood aren’t around much. That leaves him to play with his sisters. Shae wants to play kitchen and put puzzles together and Sabreena is experimenting with new make-up techniques and working on a script for a school project.
No one wants to do what Shaun wants to do so he’s left to occupy himself with electronics. I take them away for a few hours and he roams around the house. He spends 15 minutes looking through football cards then moves onto tossing a basketball through a mini net on his door then usually ends up falling asleep out of sheer boredom. I tell him he’s not allowed to fall asleep when it’s time time to unplug, that doesn’t count as down time. Board games seem to be the best way he spends his down time. They usually take up lots of time and Shae is always up for a game. I do join in the fun too but sometimes I have to work or cook or clean.
What do your kids do when it’s time to unplug?
About Melinda
This is a tough age. We have the same issue with our 10 year old grandson who lives with us.. He does at least 15 minutes of reading everyday, but he’ll do longer if we can help him chose a book he really loves (like the Harry Potter books!) As you pointed out, they aren’t interested in a lot of toys anymore. He does like to play with his WWE figures and the wrestling paraphenalia that goes with it. We gave him a point and shoot camera that does video and he discovered making match-move videos with the wrestling figures. I guess that’s kind of using electronics, but he’s using his imagination and being creative
He’ll also play with legos, We got him a ripstick for his birthday last month and he can ride it in the garage if we pull the cars out for him.When the weather is warm it’s not as much of a problem. We’ve built a tree fort, put up a rope swing and a basket ball hoop, and he loves to climb trees and play “spy” with binoculars.
Shaun will play outside all summer long if his friends are around if not he gets bored way to easy. He is kind of like me because I have a hard time entertaining myself as well and always have. Thankfully he is in sports so that occupies a good amount of his time.