Modern living is full of pressure these days. Which is ironic as the creators of all our labour saving technology promised us lots of free time for leisure if I recall. The truth is families feel more disconnected than ever and need to reclaim time together so they can cherish and enjoy one another.
As a proud parent with two children I am acutely aware of the challenges faced. My children do have lots more opportunities than I ever did. In addition to this the access to technology such as the internet, social websites and games consoles means their time can be easily consumed just chatting to friends.
Recently we noticed our sons attitudes really changed when we allowed him to have a gaming system that was linked to the internet in his bedroom. He seemed withdrawn and consumed with being online, playing combat games all day long (if we would let him). To make things worse when he was not playing online he would be in constant communication with his Equal to the chat service on his cell phone and dinner.
This affected the atmosphere in our house when he had become a bit 'grumpy and ready to perform their duties without much reminded me to do first.
In order to solve this problem I rationed the amount of time each week, which is entitled to spend two online games or chatting with friends. Now he is obliged to provide us with the rest of society and we play games, take walks and hikesout together.
One surprising but pleasant event was when I insisted recently that he helped me fit some ceramic bathroom tiles. After quite a lot of moaning and complaining he began to get involved, really owning the project. So much so that I allowed him to pick out the tile border and do the grouting.
His enthusiasm spread and very soon my partner and daughter also got stuck in too. As well as achieving a new bathroom we spent hours together laughing and talking together and enjoyed some quality family time.
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