How's that for an opening line. If I didn't have the computer I wouldn't be able to write in this blog for you to read or I wouldn't be able to do my job as efficiently as I can do. I certainly wouldn't be able to create new graphics or logos for my customers as I can't draw anything with my hands. I write my orders on the computer and look up things on the computer that a few years back I'd have more paperwork and catalogs than I could stand. How could we live without e-mail in this day and age.
My son, Sam, wouldn't be able to easily and quickly create the music he creates and the boys would be having to run to the library all the time for researching their school projects instead of just "googling" it on the internet.
So what I'm saying is there are a ton of good things to use the computer for AND there are a ton of bad things.
My kids totally struggle with video game and role playing addiction. This has been a sore subject in our house for many years. If I let them, my boys would spend all 24/7/365 on the internet playing games. I don't. They think I'm ridiculous and too controlling and I want to smash the computers some times. I won't because I paid for them. We need computers and that's the catch. Many people don't see them as an addiction becuz... well you don't have to have a beer to complete your homework but you do have to have a computer.
Computers are fast becoming necessary and are too easily accessible. Screen time is a "right" that my boys feel they are entitled to but I fail to find it in the constitution or Bible anywhere. Thus, conflict arises... and arises often.
They show signs of starting to get it. Jeff just shared a video with me today from YouTube titled Life in a Nutshell. I think this is showing he can laugh at his problem. But it's serious. I read a book that said internet addiction is the fastest growing health concern in South Korea and China. Leading to a sedentary lifestyle and very poor social skills among other things. Check out this link if you are concerned about your kids "screen time" habits - Video Games and Your Kids - by Cash and McDaniel. They also have a checklist that you can review to determine if you, or your kids, have a serious problem.
My kids have lied and cheated to deceive me and we even snuck up on the house when we left the boys home alone running some errands to find they had gotten around our online security "systems" and were closely monitoring (no pun intended) for our return.
My boys are working on a "contract" form of agreement so that we can have a little more peace about the subject. It may have some merit. I'd love to hear from any of you regarding this subject about how you are coping with it.
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