"Sick of the Wii" in Toledo

ONE CENT: Dear "Sick,"

New technology certainly draws in children of all ages. I have to admit, there are a couple games I've downloaded onto my iPhone, "for the children", which I've found myself deeply immersed.  This game called Scoops is absolutely riveting (you catch different flavored ice cream scoops which fall from the sky with your sugar cone and it’s so fun, but I digress!).  I think the problem we're facing is one having to do with moderation.  How can we be moderate in all the things we do?  If we have that philosophy in our home, rules about how much technology time children have each day can fit right into our existing family philosophy of moderation.  Timers are a good way to start.  For example, each child can be given one half hour of "technology time" per day.  The timer goes on when the child starts playing and when it buzzes, their technology playing time is over.  When the timer buzzes, maybe you all can do a cookie-baking project, have a milk and cookie time with the kids and bring a plate of gooey warm treats to someone who could use a neighborly visit.

TWO CENT: Dear "Sick,"

If I could keep my husband from playing online video games, I’d have a new wardrobe instead of the MacBook Pro he bought because of its “gaming capabilities.”  The truth is, we can’t control everybody.  But we can – and ought to – shape our kids’ schedules. Sometimes I’ll give my kids permission to play the Wii, and then – because they’re entertained and oh-so-quiet – I’ll let more time pass than I should.  I assume you already limit their time on the Wii.  For example, they put down the controller and come to dinner when you call them, right?  My suggestion is this: call them earlier.  Call them at 4 instead of 6, and have fun suggestions for other activities when the invariable griping comes.  Or, better yet, don’t schedule anything for them. Because I guarantee you some of the best time kids can have is when they’re allowed to hang out, unscheduled.