I know I should have time limits on my kids’ computer usage, but I find it hard to be consistent. Once in a while, I get strict and set limits, but after a bit, we fall back into a bad pattern of long turns on the computer. Mind you, we do have filters, and the internet is shut off most of the time, but I don’t love how long they spend playing games on it.

We went to visit family for a few weeks before school began, and I realized something wonderful. At my relatives’ homes, the kids had no computer time because there simply wasn’t one to play on. Slowly but surely, my kids got better at playing games and making their own fun. It was delightful to see them filling their time with wholesome activities. My daughters were more social with their cousins, and my sons got more into playing outside.

When we finally went home, they didn’t go straight to the computer like they used to. The wholesome activities continued, and I was thrilled. Now I try to keep a better eye on computer time and also work on playing games with them to keep them off the computer. Now that we’ve had a taste of freedom from technology, I am holding onto it for dear life.