Ahhh... summer... that time of year when kids run and frolick; enjoying the sun, the pool, the beach, and all of the other great things that this school free time of year brings. Unless... your child is a Xbox addict.
For nearly 2 months now, our little family has been away in a tropical paradise. There is a beach just a short walk away, as well as 2 swimming pools, a balcony overlooking the ocean, lots of sun, wildlife, and so much more. Granted, we are here because my husband is training for a new career, so it's not all fun in the sun all of the time. However, the kiddos and I have lots of time to enjoy the scenery and local attractions. Our older son and I both enjoy taking walks, hanging out by the water, or even just hanging out on the screened in balcony while reading or working on the computer. If only our younger son had even a fraction of that love for the outdoors. Getting him away from the Xbox, and out in the sun is a daunting task... at best he will become sullen and mopey, at worst he will have a full tilt meltdown- storming around the house angry, slamming doors or hitting things.
Now I know some of you will wonder, "Why bring an Xbox on vacation?" or, "Why not just leave him home and let him miss out on the fun?". We brought the Xbox knowing that it would be difficult to keep the kids entertained for 3 months away from home. And, although he is 12, he is not the most responsible 12 year old out there. When I was 12 I was home alone almost all day, every day during summer vacation while my mother (a single parent) worked her butt off. I would sometimes bike to the local elementary school for their summer lunch program, or go to my grandparents' house, then usually cook myself dinner. Our 12 year old son... well... he often forgets to eat when he gets all wrapped up in his game playing. Seeing as how he has free access to lots of food- we don't keep it locked up, and it doesn't all require complex preparation- and the fact that most pre-teen boys are hungry all the time, I still find myself utterly shocked when 20 minutes before dinner he will tell me he is starving because he "forgot to eat" all day. Trust me, I would have absolutely NO PROBLEM taking his brother to "insert name of fun place here" then letting him hear all about how fun it was, and how we stopped for ice cream on the way home, etc. Since that isn't an option, we settled for a stern talking to from my husand, which will hopefully show a continued improvment in attitude.
For nearly 2 months now, our little family has been away in a tropical paradise. There is a beach just a short walk away, as well as 2 swimming pools, a balcony overlooking the ocean, lots of sun, wildlife, and so much more. Granted, we are here because my husband is training for a new career, so it's not all fun in the sun all of the time. However, the kiddos and I have lots of time to enjoy the scenery and local attractions. Our older son and I both enjoy taking walks, hanging out by the water, or even just hanging out on the screened in balcony while reading or working on the computer. If only our younger son had even a fraction of that love for the outdoors. Getting him away from the Xbox, and out in the sun is a daunting task... at best he will become sullen and mopey, at worst he will have a full tilt meltdown- storming around the house angry, slamming doors or hitting things.
Now I know some of you will wonder, "Why bring an Xbox on vacation?" or, "Why not just leave him home and let him miss out on the fun?". We brought the Xbox knowing that it would be difficult to keep the kids entertained for 3 months away from home. And, although he is 12, he is not the most responsible 12 year old out there. When I was 12 I was home alone almost all day, every day during summer vacation while my mother (a single parent) worked her butt off. I would sometimes bike to the local elementary school for their summer lunch program, or go to my grandparents' house, then usually cook myself dinner. Our 12 year old son... well... he often forgets to eat when he gets all wrapped up in his game playing. Seeing as how he has free access to lots of food- we don't keep it locked up, and it doesn't all require complex preparation- and the fact that most pre-teen boys are hungry all the time, I still find myself utterly shocked when 20 minutes before dinner he will tell me he is starving because he "forgot to eat" all day. Trust me, I would have absolutely NO PROBLEM taking his brother to "insert name of fun place here" then letting him hear all about how fun it was, and how we stopped for ice cream on the way home, etc. Since that isn't an option, we settled for a stern talking to from my husand, which will hopefully show a continued improvment in attitude.