My kids are at the age where they fight often. They are only 15 months apart, and they are at the age when they are constantly bickering. During the summer, there was less direct interaction between the two of them because, between camp, pool, and road trips, we were always on the go. Now, they are back in school, and the way they decompress after homework is screen time. This also gives me the time to check homework, finish dinner, and set up the next day or just mindlessly scroll for a few minutes.
One particular Wednesday, I was at my office and received a call that my daughter, in a fit of rage, slammed her iPad into the dining room table, causing it to shatter. Adding insult to injury, my son’s iPad had deteriorating battery life, so it was also done. Every part of me was angry for several reasons. The first was, of course, her temper; the second was I had an iPad upgrade plan set for Christmas; and third, I thought that their time spent on the screens would now be occupied with asking me questions or telling me they were bored.
When I finally got home, the madness began, and there were tears and questions about when they would receive their new iPad, but I knew I had to teach them a lesson. They needed to earn them, do some chores, and make good decisions to earn such a big purchase. The problem is that there is no in between with children, they don’t understand the significance of earning them because they have always had them. My children received their tablets when they were one. The other problem is that I realized that their not having their iPads affected me more than it affected them. The time that they scrolled or played games allowed for a few moments of peace for me.
As mothers, we always think we have it figured out: a little screen time, but not too much. Allow them the freedom, but take them away if they get too attached. However, we never think of the freedom that having iPads gives us as parents. Without them, my children have had to be creative. Weslie is writing a story, and Trey utilizes his scooter more often. However, their attention span is as short as their memory, and once they are finished with these things, they wonder what is next. I need those tablets as much as they do, not because I am a lazy mom but a busy mom, and as difficult as it is for us to admit, we owe those tablets a great deal of gratitude. It has taught my children to occupy their time and also not use me as a human Alexa. I realize that it doesn’t help with their creative play, but sometimes I want to take 15 minutes and senselessly scroll, and without their tablets, we are running out of options.
The moral of the story is that the new iPad has been ordered and will be here this week. However, this time, I will be a little more mindful of the use because this allowed my children to rise to the occasion. As I stated, Weslie has written a short story, and Trey Beaven has spent more time outside. Of course, that is the goal, and I am proud of both of them for exercising their creativity. However, as their mother, I miss the quiet time that it allowed me. So, I am bringing back the screen time.
