Less Screens For The Win

On the eve of term 2 I can happily report that the school holidays have been a massive success. And by crikey I needed a win. Just reading back over my last two blog posts reminded me how awful I was feeling. The screen restriction has been a breeze and a gift. I actually feel like I've gotten my kids back. They have by no means turned in to angels that never bicker and do exactly what I ask the first time I ask them, but hey, I no longer feel like crying and rocking in the corner. Winning!

There has been more outside time (though Charlie still prefers the indoors) and I have printed off many Power Ranger and princess colouring pages. I'm not sure what else we've done, oh yes a bit more book time, and a lot more playing with toys. Anyway, it has all been positive and well worth it. Surprisingly the kids kinda just accepted their fate and didn't push back on the new rules. I guess they really can tell when you mean it vs when you don't have the resolve to back your boundaries up. Luckily this Mumma finally means business!

On another note, today is Anzac Day, so thank you to all our service men and women, those who have seen war and those that haven't. I hope that there is no more need for any more lives to be lost or damaged by such sadness. Thank you Dad xxx

Mx

I don't know if fireworks are a bit too exuberant for the sombre mood of Anzac Day but this was on the first night of the school holidays (if you don't count friday night) and I had only hours before picked up my new camera and then there were surprise fireworks in the city. The new camera is very exciting!!

Screens

We've had our appointment with the behavioural optometrist for our six year old who insists he needs glasses. Sorry Charlie, optometrist says no. In fact what he needs is waaaaay less screen time. I'm sad to say that our boy would probably rather wear glasses than miss out on screen time.

I was very diligent when Charlie was a baby and did not let him watch tv (even though in hindsight I think I should have used it as a tool to give myself half an hour here and there instead of getting so stressed out I ended up losing my sh*t and screaming in his little face once). Things changed as he was heading to two years old and I was feeling seedy and tired with my second pregnancy and needed to rest.

Mia on the other hand did not have the total ban on screens as a wee one and she is not anywhere near as addicted to screens. That's not to say she hasn't spent a few days while Charlie is at school doing not much else. It makes me wonder though if Charlie's love for the screen has anything to do with not having any early on.

Things are about to change again as I see-saw my way through how much screen time is allowed, coinciding also with my new commitment to firm boundaries and not raising a pair of entitled adults who can't do anything for themselves. The optometrist (who used to be a teacher) scoffed at our restriction of 1 hour of screen time after school on school days, saying that wasn't a restriction. Our new rules for screens are half an hour on non-school days. The optometrist I could tell, was still not impressed with this allowance, but I have a feeling she wouldn't have been happy with anything less than zero screen time, which I don't think is either realistic or desirable. I don't know. Part of me doesn't think half an hour on weekends is realistic either. If we stick with that 100% he'll never be able to watch a movie again.

How much screen time do you allow your kids? And if you have any tips on getting them outside please share! Kids are coming home tomorrow and I've enjoyed my time whilst missing them and the life they bring to our house and not wishing them home early. Anywho, Happy Easter and I hope you're enjoying your long, long weekend.

Mx

Bad blogger, sad Mum

[February]

And by sad Mum I don't mean you Mum, I mean me. I am still having issues with my Lightroom catalog, but that's probably not why I haven't posted since February. Life. Maybe it's because my Mum always told me "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". I don't want to have a big whinge (though I could have a cry) but I don't want to pretend everything is sunshine and roses when the truth of it is that I feel like I've been losing my grip on the kids, the house, everything, and the tears are right there just behind the surface.

The good news is that the school holidays officially started at pick up this afternoon, and I will have from Tuesday till Sunday to catch my breath and gather myself while my children spend time with two sets of Grandparents and a pair of Aunts.

I will be fine, and things will get better. At least I'm helping the other Mum's around here feel like they are winning at parenting by comparison! I sincerely hope you are feeling like you're doing a better job than I am at the moment. And I will take solace from the late 80's and Yazz The Only Way is Up.....

Mx

I wonder where the balance is with blogging crappy feelings? I feel like this could be a very unsatisfying post to read where I kinda say I'm not travelling well but don't give any details. On the other hand, I don't want to bang on about feeling like I'm doing a shitty job. I love my children dearly but I was so appalled by one of them and their behaviour today that I think it's the first time that I didn't also like them. Thoughts that I've been too much of a walk over and wanted them to express their feelings but has that led to a complete disregard for the feelings of others? I read a quote this week "A lack of boundaries leads to a lack of respect". I think we have a problem and I need to grow a mother's backbone, for my sake and the kids.