My Kids Love Their Electronics
But is it too much love and should I stop it?
When I was growing up in the 80’s, our source of entertainment was fueled mostly by my imagination and being outdoors. I would find my friends and we would gather to find the latest adventure, insect or even mischief. When playing outside was not an option due to weather, you would find us on the couch with books or watching cartoons.
Watching television was there as something to do, it wasn’t all we did. Most of the scars on my knees were from my childhood and I wouldn’t trade a second of it.
I understand that times are very different now. My children are growing up in the fascinating age of technology and they are so good at it. Often, I ask them for help in computer related issues. My children love their laptops and iPods. I don’t allow the younger ones to have phones as I believe they are too young for them. The laptops are for schoolwork but they end up using them for watching YouTube and playing games.
I find myself torn as to the amount of time they are on it. Before COVID, they were permitted an hour or two after school of screen time. Now that school is done remotely, they are on it for at least 6.5–7 hours, not including time to complete homework. When homework is done, they want their downtime to unwind and because of lockdowns, going out is not something we can do as freely as before.
I’ve read the heart wrenching stories of children that are struggling mentally during this time. Some of these children have had suicidal thoughts and unfortunately, some have succumbed to those ideas. What they are facing right now, no one has ever had to deal with. There are many adults having difficulties getting through this much less children.
That’s why a part of me is not fighting with them right now about their screen time as much as I used to. Maybe I should, but in this time of such stress, fear and anxiety, if something can get them through it, should I take it away? Don’t misunderstand me, I do have a cut off time for electronics because their is such a thing as too much, however, if they want to go an extra half hour am I going to take it away? Probably not.
Our family also incorporates prayer and family time to help our children cope through all this uncertainty. Every family has to do what’s best for their children right now. We are praying and hoping that this pandemic will pass, and that the mental health of our children will be intact when and if it does.
Love your children through this. Listen to them. Allow them to tell you what they are feeling. We need each other now more than ever.
Blessings to everyone.
