When I was out with a girlfriend the other day she was telling me about a movie “So This Is 40”. You may have seen it, it was out in 2012, but I had never even heard of it. She suggested I watch it given that I am now 40, (if you missed that then check out my previous posts and see what I got up to). Anyway my friend played me a preview and there is a scene where the parents try to reduce wifi usage and limit screen time with their daughters. The mum suggests the kids build a fort, which the older daughter is completely horrified by, check out the clip HERE.
So I figured why not? It has been school holidays here and my children were on week three and so I suggested ‘let’s build a fort’! Adam (age 6) was super excited and totally pumped up for this awesome idea he was off grabbing cushions and blankets like The Flash!
Go Adam!
The girls just kind of looked at me with a weird expression. So I gave them some encouragement;
“Come on it will be heaps of fun, we will turn the whole upstairs lounge into a fort, we’ll get torches and even have a picnic lunch in it!”
The proceeded to look at me strange and then told me that they actually had to go clean up the bunny hutches! What????? Are they seriously telling their mother they would rather clean up poop than build a fort?!!!
I mean I get the bunnies are cute and all, but what about fun with mummy?
Yes that is what they were saying, off they went to clean the bunny hutches! Adam and I had an absolute blast building our fort, although the girls banned us from using their bedding. April (age 9), came upstairs to view our fort and her response was “don’t expect me to clean that up, you make the mess you clean it up!” Really? Where does she get that from?
The girls then decided to do some baking and actually made a really delicious Angel Cake, and I told them “you make the mess in the kitchen, you clean it up.”
Adam and I played for a fair while and even had our picnic, but after some time he wanted to play his Nintendo 3DS and so I gave in and I started checking emails and scrolling on Instagram. Here we were in our fort and we ended up back on our devices. Is it just a hopeless cause? Does our life just completely revolve around wifi or screen time now? And is it really so bad?
I agree with people who say we do live on our devices too much, we all need a little less screen and a little more face to face human contact. I also think that we shouldn’t check our devices as soon as we wake up or before we go to bed, we need to unwind and so do our children. But is it all bad?
Like I said my kids have been on holidays for almost 3 weeks and they have done loads of things, they’ve been on outings, they’ve played with their pets, had friends sleep over, been out with friends, been away, gone swimming, read heaps of books, baked and played board games. But they have also played on their devices. Does it make me a terrible parent to say I don’t actually mind? Should I feel really guilty about it?
The thing is I don’t think it has been so bad, when they play minecraft they all join in together in their world (don’t ask me to explain as I don’t play it), but somehow the 3 of them are in the same world even though they are on different devices. They all lay on Aspen’s big bed and I hear them chatting and laughing so loudly as they play, to me it is siblings having a great time, bonding and hanging out, isn’t that a good thing? They have also had battles on the Wii U and again they are all playing together and having fun (with the odd person getting mad, usually Adam lol), but for the most part they are giggling and really enjoying playing with one another.
There are times where they are playing by themselves too, but it’s not all day everyday and if I say time to hop off it they do. Do we worry too much about the time they spend on devices? I think like most things it’s about balance, if our children are happy, active, healthy, social, and exercising and eating well then is some screen time a problem? I agree that children need outside time, face to face time, time to draw, read, and play sport, they need to use their imaginations and learn how to be part of the real world, but technology is part of our lives whether we want it to be or not. If it is balanced out with all the other things children need then I think it will be OK.
What are your thoughts on technology and our children? Do you let your kids play games on devices? Love to hear your feedback.
Thanks for joining me, love Mackenzie xx
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Last weeks most clicked upon post was the fabulous Karen from Two Tiny Hands, with her post The Annoying Things That Bloggers Do!
My pick of the week was Jennifer Wolfe from mamawolfe with Aren’t You Tired Of Seeing People Die? I really recommend you read this post!
OK Time for the fun now, look forward to reading your posts, love mg xx
Loading InLinkz ...Disclaimer: No children or bunnies were harmed during the writing of this blog, but the cake was totally demolished!!! Well in our defence, it did taste utterly delicious!
Aspen giggling during our ‘look annoyed at mummy” photo shoot
32 comments
It is a tough decision with technology isn’t it? As long as they have a balance when they are young, they are likely to continue that way when older. Hey at least the girls chose to clean poop than sit in front of the telly or computer! That’s a big plus 😊
true lol, yes they are pet lovers!
I go to a lot of talks on Technology – it’s a different kettle of fish to how we view it – it’s their social network, it’s their world view, it offers way more than we see with out antiquated eyes. It is evolving the human race physically faster than any other invention in centuries. However, there are so many issues involved with it too…I’m still processing it all.
There is so much to process. I feel lucky in a way that my husband is very computer aware as he is in that business, because i find it quite overwhelming.
First, I simply adore your pictures. Oh and I’m completely with you on kids vis a vis technology. Banning it in today’s day and age wouldn’t work – nor is it right. I enjoy listening to them when they’re at the computer fighting it out. Minecraft is a favourite here too. In fact the other day they roped me in to play with them. To be honest, I didn’t much like it but their happiness at having ‘mama playing with them’ was worth a lot. At the end if they are doing other things as well, spending enough time outdoors, talking, reading, swimming, I see no harm here.
I really do think it is about balance. You are doing good to play minecraft I can’t figure it out lol
It’s all about Balance and it sounds like your children had a great holiday with lots of variety. I used to love my children making forts when they were young. I think there is time for everything and technology is everywhere I don’t think it harms them as long as children are encouraged to be bored so they can use their imagination. The cake looked yummy!
I am lucky that my kids have good imaginations like their mother lol, I agree with all you say here. It is so different from when I grew up and I just want to get the balance right. Thanks Sue xx
You are right – it’s all about balance. Technology is such a huge part our our kids’ and our lives, that to deny it is short sighted. It sounds to me as if you have the right approach. They need to know that there is another world out there, full of interesting things to be discovered, but also need to be a part of the world of technology, or, quite honestly, they will get left behind – which is how I feel! Alison x #mg
yes true, it is a huge part of their lives now and they need to be skilled at it. It scares me how fast it has changed though.
Your bunnies are so so so cute! Technology is very much a part of our lives and a huge part of our children’s lives and we can never expect them to have the childhood we did. You’re absolutely right, it is all about balance. We try to do as much without technology as much as possible when we can and if they do spend time on it, i am not going to feel guilty about it. Their generation is totally different and I can’t expect them to enjoy or want the same type of childhood I had. I even tried sharing some of my most favourite books with my children and they read a bit and then they had the look on their faces, like “Mom, the writing is so old fashioned!” So, yes, balance is the key. #mg
It’s true we can’t expect them to have our childhood can we. We dream of them having it simpler, but the world is full of technology now and they enjoy it. I agree we can’t feel guilty about it xx
Yes, we can dream and encourage but it will never be the same as what it was for us. So our children will have their own childhood. Thanks for sharing with #bigpinklink
thanks for hosting.
Damo
I completely identify with this post and it is ironic that I blogged about a similar topic this week! It is all about the balance isn’t it and technology is not going to disappear- they have to learn to handle the balance for their own future too. I love the baking cakes and building forts side of life so much too! Thanks for this post, love your site and thank you for the opportunity to link up! #mg Lou at http://www.peppermintcove.com
What a cute bunny, though! I feel slightly upset when I see children glued to tablets or smartphones when they should really be outside playing or doing fun things indoors with their hands and minds. 🙂 I suppose the occasional game is okay, but not wanting to do anything else is not so great. Your photos are delightful, Mac. I would love to catch that movie. Off to check your 90s tag now. (I love your Instagram feed you know!)
Kids are so funny and unpredictable…that’s what I love most! The fort looks like a fun way to spend an afternoon to me!
Ah, technology. As an educator/therapist, I don’t have issues with technology and children as long as there is a healthy balance. Let’s face it, technology is here to stay, but it’s not the “be all end all” or necessarily the most developmentally appropriate option for kids. When a child can swipe an iPad or iPhone before they can turn the pages in a book, I have serious issues. I think intentionality is key – if you allow your child to engage in screen time, set a certain amount of time and stick to it. Then you have to intentionally engage the child in non-screen time activities such as movement and play, literacy with real/physical books, coloring/glueing/cutting, and face to face conversation. Last year, I actually had a kid respond to a question I asked him with “IDK.” He actually said the letters instead of saying “I don’t know…” I quickly reminded him that I was a real life person in front of him, so he didn’t need to text speak. LOL!
I don’t know that film but am a great fan of ‘The Holiday’ where the three Musketeers have created one. I’m keen to remake it for our girls. Thanks for hosting #mg
Such gorgeous photos!!! “You make the mess; you clean it up!!” Still giggling over that one. Have heard that one a lot around here. As for devices; my mother’s guilt kicks in every time they want to watch the iPad, etc. But truthfully, it has actually taught my kids loads (with adult supervision of course). Possibly this is simply the lifestyle of today…and it’s not so bad…is it???
Lovely photos! In my opinion, I don’t think anyone should feel bad about time spent on devices. It’s the way of the future I guess, technology and all that. I also think my son has learnt so much with the various educational apps he has on the iPad. I’m constantly amazed by how much better he is with technology and IT than me and he’s only nearly 3! #mg
I feel an enormous sense of smugness if we can manage to get through a day without a screen! Lovely pics 🙂 #bigpinklink
Awww gorgeous photos, look how happy they all are!! I agree about technology, my kids are allowed to use the ipad or play games on car journeys or desperate measures during rainy days, but the rest of the time it’s outdoors and playing games, like we did when we were kids. It gets harder the older they get but I’m quite lucky in that my eldest is very sporty so would rather be out playing football or at the skate park than glued to his xbox! #mg
It sounds like your kids have a great balance between tech and activities. I wouldn’t feel bad about that at all. I love that they are baking and cleaning the rabbits by choice. Amazing! #TwinklyTuesday
I disagree that ‘we’ should limit screen time. I think it depends entirely on the child and the family. My son is autistic and the iPad allows us to do things and teach him things and reach him in a way we just can’t any other way. Not all kids are up for imaginative play. And that’s fine by me. Even if I would looooove to build dens and have tea parties!
Firstly thanks for posting a photo of Barry Allen. I love him to bits!
I am okay with my son using gadgets and tech. After all it is the future and I want him to be ready for the future. But I also try my best to make hin do other things. He loves reading and climbing on rocks in an area here.
I think that your fam is doing quite good with all the photos. Hope the rest of the summer holiday will be as productive =)
#twinklytuesday
You’re absolutely right! I let my kids play on devices, in this generation where technology matters, I think there’s no harm for them to play with it as long as it’s within limits. Reimer likes to play minecraft on xbox too, where only allowed on weekends but if his friends are around, I’ll allow him to play with it with them as he’s also socializing. Lovely photos, your kids are adorable! #mg
Hi MacKenzie! Wonderful post, as always. First off, your kiddos are simply precious. Such awesome photos. And secondly, holy cow, I used to LOVE making forts back in the day! I haven’t thought about building one of those in forever. Now I’m even more excited for my trip home next month to see my niece and nephew.😄
Also, of course I don’t have kids yet, but I’d think after awhile it would get pretty exhausting constantly monitoring a kid’s device time. It’s been my experience when you tell someone over and over they can’t do something, they’ll want to do it just that much more. I definitely feel finding a balance is definitely the way to go. Then everybody wins!💕
Thank you so much for hosting this link-up! I hope you and your beautiful family are having a spectacular week! Xo
sounds like they had a great holiday. It really is all about balance. we cant deny that technology will always be in our lives and our kids lives. thanks for hosting #mg
Love the annoyed photo! I agree if they’ve done all the other stuff too then I don’t think some digital time will hurt. It’s the world we live in and the world we are bringing them up in. Monkeys only just getting into games now, I’m not going to stop him playing but will be aware of how long he is spending! #Thebigpinklink
I definitely think a little bit of balance is absolutely fine. They look like they have been having a fab time and I do love Aspen’s face in that photo! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
I agree, it’s all about finding balance and teaching them to be safe. It’s a hard one to call, as what’s appropriate for one child won’t work for another at all. Beautiful photos. The bunnies look soo cuddly.
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