Today has been beautiful. And my kids have cried “I’m bored.”
Today is one of those days I feel like I’ve failed as a mom.
I got a lot done on the personal front. Suitcases unpacked. Laundry done and put away. Irksome calls to appliance repair place.
Check, check and check.
Got Easter decorations down and out. There are happy white ceramic bunnies and yellow fluffy chicks everywhere.
But my children have sat on the couch and screamed as I prodded them out the door.
First off, they both have had phones, computers and all manner of electronics taken away from them because of misbehavior earlier in the week.
So there is nothing for them to do but read a book, paint, draw with sidewalk chalk, pick up sticks for fire for roasting marshmallows (this suggestion elicited loud wailing).
Honestly people, it’s easy to want to check out and let them plug into who knows what with who knows who.
But no. I stand over them like an ogre and make them head out the door to the beautiful 75 degree afternoon.
Why oh why is this so difficult?
I would get literally locked out of the house. “Go find something to do….just get out. If you get thirsty drink from the garden hose.” Slam. Click. This was circa 1965 in Boise, Idaho. Without a push, I would have probably parked in front of the TV that had 2 channels in black and white. Never really thought about it much until today when I read your blog.
Okay Dan. If tomorrow is like today and they give me fits, I know what to do.
75? You are lucky! It’s in the 30s here (and it snowed yesterday)!
I love Daniel’s answer. My son has told me if he was going to get in trouble he would rather get a spanking. I had to think about that and wonder if it was reverse psychology. I did get everything taken from me once upon a 1981ish. That was pretty much a record player and phone privileges.
It’s scary. Electronics addiction. I’m scared for my children and myself. I try to ween from the laptop/iphone and get a little weirded out myself. But man oh man, if it was 75 degrees here in Indiana, it would be a lot easier to do!
You are such a great Mom! Catching up on your blog, I have been really behind and was missing you…..
xoxo
This is funny! and all too familiar. I am the terrible mom who won’t buy my kids an ipod let alone an ipad! I love Dan’s comment about being locked out. that is priceless! I am going to remember that this summer!