Sunday, December 01, 2013

Momma Smack Down

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See that?  That is music to my eyes.

The boys received their report cards this past Tuesday. I won't get into details but someone, not mentioning any names, hasn't cracked a book all year.

He still squeaked onto the honour roll.  I have no idea how.  Horseshoes maybe?
And he also failed to meet his reading goal.

He is normally a straight A student.  He hasn't had to work very hard thus far but he's now in grade 7.  Things are getting more challenging and rather than adjusting his study habits (which right now are nil nada none) he is coasting.

This momma laid down the law.

You might think I am being harsh but here's the thing.  This type of work ethic will get you no where fast in life never mind high school and post-secondary education.

Not to mention on my watch, everyone will give full effort.  If you try your best, you are successful. Period. End of story.

You get the picture.

Here is where I have to confess our part in this.  You see this is not all his doing.  Oh no. We are the adults in the household and these adults got lazy.

The hours of screen time had reached an all time high here at Chez Lahti. 

I kept justifying it with the fact that they were doing well in school, were reasonably active and still have friends. No one wants their kids to end up loners who play videos games alone in the basement all day and night.

And it's a constant battle.  The battle of screen time.  Kids today (and adults) are glued to a screen. It doesn't matter which type....it's all the same. We are turning into screen zombies

So the smack down happened. Our boys both have earn screen time now.  They can earn it by reading a book (remember those?), doing homework, physical activity, yard work, practicing piano.

At first they were appalled.  We were the meanest parents ever (we are for the record, and I am cool with that).

However, after almost a week, I am amazed at the change. They are proud of the reading and practicing they have done to earn their screen time and they are self policing their screen time.

And we have had more conversations, more laughs, more time together than we have for a long time.

I was a wonderful wake up call.  It was needed both for us and for the boys.

So we are planning sticking to it.  I hope we do.

4 comments:

Ashley said...

Good for you! Change isn't always easy but it's necessary sometimes and often so good once it's done.

We also tell our girls to do their best. If they apply themselves then whatever comes at the end is success whether it's an A or a C, effort is the key. :)

Anonymous said...

Good on you, Kami. I think your new rule/plan is a great one. I struggle to find books that really engage and entertain my boys. And because I love reading so much, I also find it hard to understand their reluctance to read "for fun". Good luck and I should take a leaf out of your book and do something similar for my boys I think!

Unknown said...

Good for you! We are facing the same screen issues here with the boys. I think I need to implement a similar policy at our house. :)

Angella said...

You are such a great Mom. We've had a smack down lately and it's the best thing EVER.