Getting Back Into Balance

I think it happens at times in all families. At least I hope so. It's a slippery process and then all at once you realize that the seesaw is out of balance. The kids are up and the parents are down. There is all kinds of disrespect, whining and complaining. In our family that meant screen time was out of control and something had to be done. We've reigned them in and turned off youtube and netflix. No more websites to encourage the gimmies. And no more Minecraft unless Daddy is home (and wants) to play. You know what? I've got happy kids again. Kids that play with their toys, read books, ride bikes, notice squirrels and geese, that respond appropriately to me, and don't have nightmares during the night. Duh! But I won't beat myself up because it happens and we grow and move on. This was all implemented in a family meeting as a change in policy, not discipline. I'm invested on a deep level so I'm hopeful that, at the least, the slide down the slippery slope will be much, much slower.

Don't get me wrong...I'm adjusting also! It means no screen time for me either! Here are a few things we've been up to this week.

Celebrating my Dad's 60th birthday!

My growing cuddlebug wants to be held a lot, which I love, but sometimes I must cook dinner. So I plopped her on the counter and she's happy. Don't worry. The kitchen is small. I can practically have a hand on her from anywhere.

Studying Pierre Radisson. Do you know who Pierre Radisson is? I didn't before yesterday.

Josiah wrote his name for the very first time.

Playing with Lego's. He insisted that a man be in each vehicle and looking at the camera. In the first pictures they had hats on, but you couldn't see their faces so he took the hats off and was much more satisfied.

Sorting the library we checked out. It took 2 library cards today. Take away the screen and all of a sudden books are appealing again. I know. I know. It's not rocket science!

We've had a couple warmish days again so we've been out walking and riding bikes. Aliza likes to carry her Bitty Baby in her front pack carrier. Josiah rides bike. On our way home this afternoon Josiah spotted a squirrel in the tree and he told the rest of us to stop to watch the squirrel. Aliza and Josiah stood in the road, stock still, looking up in the trees. Later, we heard geese and watched a huge flock fly over. Josiah asked what shape they were flying in. That's the letter V buddy, thanks for asking! And so we slow down and take joy in simple gifts.

I thought to myself, "Welcome back to the world kids! If I have anything to do with it, I won't let you leave again!"