We are 4 full days in without electronic devices, and let me tell you.. quite the changes have been noticed.
Adam – he has been a lot more mild in his emotions. He was quick to anger before with his siblings, when something didn’t go his way. He tuned me out, specifically. He would not acknowledge me when I would say that dinner is ready, or let’s play a game together. I even asked which one of the boys wanted to be the “man of the house,” and no response… Since this cleansing, Adam notices when I get home, and tells me he misses me, told me that he DOES want to be the man of the house, and runs quickly to make sure all the doors are locked, and that we are safe. He is more affectionate, and wants cuddle time. He loves to watch the news in the morning, while eating breakfast. We actually have conversations, and it’s quite pleasant. He is entertaining himself with legos, and even started playing Barbies with Autumn. (she just started playing with them now, which I’ll get to shortly). He also immediately comes home and sits at the counter, and starts drawing pictures. No complaints… I don’t think he even misses his electronic device.. 😉
Austin – he is more talkative, still reflecting on his gaming and youtube videos that he’s watched, but starting to show interest in his robotic activity that he got for Christmas, interested in watching the news also, loves to catch up on current events. He is curious about what the dinner plan is, and seems to be more obedient, and responsive. But, I will say that he still gets triggered to anger sooo quickly. I’m calmly trying to work with him on this. It tests my patience though, believe me.
Autumn – she is more interested in face timing with her friends, texting, and playing with her Barbies. She is in a happy mood, still loves to pick on her brothers, it’s as though it’s entertaining for her when they react in a negative manner. She still has a mouth on her, and is sometimes defiant, but we are still so new to this new routine. She’s doing great playing with Adam, and has interest in taking initiative to clean up after herself. I appreciate that.
Allie – she just told me that she will read more.. ok then.. she’s not one of many words anyway, she is doing great. I never have to worry about what she’s really doing, because she’s a good girl. She is responsible, reliable, gets her work done, without me having to stay on her. Not sure what other impact this time will have on her, but I think she’s going to get bored.. and I will have to remedy that with some games of Risk with her. 🙂
Me – I am just enjoying this MUCH reduced stress I’m experiencing. The kids answer me, they aren’t rude, screaming, or arguing, or sneaking upstairs after bedtime to get their devices, or watching bad things, or tuning the world out around them. So, I consider this a major WIN so far. The goal of this, is to make the kids realize there is life outside of the screen, and to allow me to enjoy my kids. It’s been really challenging lately, to really be able to enjoy the kids, when they just want to be on their screens, and if nothing else is going on at home, then I let them. But, we are going to be engage together, embrace time together, do things, and when it is finally time to allow them to be back on devices, I will do things differently.
They will have to earn their time. It’s going to be monitored, and carefully managed. for real!
Life is going to be better, and we are going to thrive.. I just know it!
More updates to come..
All in a Day 