Need a Fix

~ Laura

Day One of a New Regime.

I have had to institute a new policy around here. No TV or computer until after 4:00.

Our previous policy was that the kids could play video games or TV when I felt that they needed a break or I needed to read e-mail or I had an important work phone call or I suddenly started getting a lot of hits on my blog. However, the TV and computer would be suddenly shut off whenever I started to envision a future for them that involved bongs in the basement and employment in the fastfood industry.

The old policy was admittedly vague, and the children never really got the hang of it. One minute they would be happily fighting over Computer Network and the Disney Channel, and the next, it was turned off. Or they would be each positioned in front of the two parental computers untill I emerged from the shower, when I would exit them out of their programs. They protested. The future of bongs and fries didn’t bother them so much.

Not only was I dealing with tantrums, because they didn’t understand the rules, but there was the constant pestering to putting things back on again. Ian, who is suddenly talking, would chant “Nickjrdotcom nickjrdotcom nickjrdotcom” and give a scream that went up to 11 when he was barred entry into the computer room. That would happen 20 times a day. Yeah, things had to change.

So, now we have a cut and dry policy around here. Do you see the clock? Does it look like it says four? No, it doesn’t. So stop bothering me and go play outside.

The morning was rough, but I think we’re getting the hang of it. The methadone helps.

Published by Laura

2 thoughts on “Need a Fix”

  1. My #2 son’s favorite position is in front of the TV, watching a video. One he has already seen, so he knows he likes it.
    Bongs? I dunno. We are still going on the capricious parent model – when it’s convenient for us, they get to watch. They are less interested in playing outside or reading than we would like. On the other hand, we get to function some. As you noted, “… no clue where to draw the line between their happiness and mine”

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  2. Our rule is “no tv in the morning.” We allow it in the afternoon in the summer because it’s too darn hot to go out and play — and I selfishly want them to pay attention to me, not the tv, when I get home.

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