Helen Dempster
31-07-2012, 06:51 AM
Morning all - bit drizzly and cold here in Kent today, hope it's a bit nicer where you are!
My question.... I have 2 sibling boy mindees - one is 6yo and one is 10yo and they are both obsessed with the computer/computer games, esp Minecraft. It's all they ever talk about! As soon as they get here it's "can I go on the computer?" and as soon as they are picked up they say to their parents "can I go on Xbox" (or equivalent). They're social skills are lacking and I'm sure this isn't helped by the computer! I've altered things while they're here, they are both allowed one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, no more. However, the oldest boy once his hour is up in the morning, then spends the rest of his time asking if he can have his afternoon hour early, or what the time is, so he can go back on. Drives me mad! I'm constantly giving them other things to do and lecturing them about all the other things in the world other than computer games. I find the youngest one isn't as bad when his brother isn't here (not very often!) but when they're together they fight over who's going on the computer constantly! The tears and tantrums I had yesterday from them both drove me to distraction, I was so glad when they went home!!!! I take them to the park every day so they can get some exercise which the youngest one loves, but the 10yo just moans and constantly asks "can we go now" or "can I go on the computer when we get back".
I don't really know what to do - would you ban the computer completely, or keep up with the 1hr morning, 1hr afternoon?
I have my own DS who isn't so computer obsessed and will happily play and I feel so sorry for him as he tries to get the 6yo to play games with him, but when it's not his 'time' on the computer, all he wants to do is sit and watch his brother on the computer!!! I've also got another 3 mindees to consider, and I'm fed up of them hearing the boys argue and fight all the time, it doesn't create a very nice atmosphere.
Please someone heeeeeeelp!!!!!!
My question.... I have 2 sibling boy mindees - one is 6yo and one is 10yo and they are both obsessed with the computer/computer games, esp Minecraft. It's all they ever talk about! As soon as they get here it's "can I go on the computer?" and as soon as they are picked up they say to their parents "can I go on Xbox" (or equivalent). They're social skills are lacking and I'm sure this isn't helped by the computer! I've altered things while they're here, they are both allowed one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, no more. However, the oldest boy once his hour is up in the morning, then spends the rest of his time asking if he can have his afternoon hour early, or what the time is, so he can go back on. Drives me mad! I'm constantly giving them other things to do and lecturing them about all the other things in the world other than computer games. I find the youngest one isn't as bad when his brother isn't here (not very often!) but when they're together they fight over who's going on the computer constantly! The tears and tantrums I had yesterday from them both drove me to distraction, I was so glad when they went home!!!! I take them to the park every day so they can get some exercise which the youngest one loves, but the 10yo just moans and constantly asks "can we go now" or "can I go on the computer when we get back".
I don't really know what to do - would you ban the computer completely, or keep up with the 1hr morning, 1hr afternoon?
I have my own DS who isn't so computer obsessed and will happily play and I feel so sorry for him as he tries to get the 6yo to play games with him, but when it's not his 'time' on the computer, all he wants to do is sit and watch his brother on the computer!!! I've also got another 3 mindees to consider, and I'm fed up of them hearing the boys argue and fight all the time, it doesn't create a very nice atmosphere.
Please someone heeeeeeelp!!!!!!