I want our home to be a place where our kids can relax. And not have to work, and not have to be doing anything and not have to be “on.” A place where they can relax.
And, for them that often means playing games on their smart phones or watching You-Tube videos on their I-pods or playing x-box on the flat screen or playing mindcraft on their computers.
It may not be how I like to relax and it may not be my ideal thing; yeah, I’d rather that they be reading classic novels and writing letters, and yet, “it is what it is,” as my brother says about reality sometimes.
My boys find electronics and technology and computers are a way that they like to relax.
Or “chill,” as they call it.
As my 12-year-old son’s friend Daniel says to me tonight, when I asked him what I should write about in this blog series:
“Sometimes kids need a break from work.”
As I look back on my growing up years, I often didn’t feel like I could relax when my parents were home. I’m not sure why exactly exactly, but I want something different for my home. But, I have to catch myself as a parent. When I come home and see my kids playing X-box in the living room, I need to just let them be. And, when I see them lounging on the couch looking at You-Tube videos on their phones or I-pods, I try to remind myself to just smile and maybe ask to see the video, but definitely not get on their case about it.
But, I’ve messed up plenty of times. I’ve caught myself nagging my kids about being on their phones or other electronic devices during evening hours, only to regret it later, especially when I’ll then notice that my kids are hanging out more their bedrooms than in our living room area.
Today’s thought on parenting: Let your kids chill.
(Previous in Series: A thought a Day on Parenting, Day 15: Celebrate Fathers and Mothers Day)
