Dear Curious George,
I feel guilty about you. You see, you have been entertaining my son for the better part of the morning. I had removed you and your other screen-delivered buddies (Caillou, Daniel Tiger, and the like) from our lives. Your presence had gotten way too strong when the baby was born. So I decided to banish you completely. Almost overnight, I noticed changes in my son's behavior when you were gone, like more willingness to transition through parts of our morning routine, better breakfast eating, greater engagement with toys and people.
But my son found you today, lying in wait on an iPad left in his reach, and here you are again. He's laughing, engaging with you, saying the names of objects he's learned that appear on your show. Also, and here's the true crux of my ambivalence, I'm using his preoccupation to write this letter. After I do, I will probably continue to allow you to entertain my son as I do the dishes, check email, straighten the house.
So here you are, and here you'll stay for another little while.
But don't get too comfortable.
Sincerely,
Tommy's Mom
"But don't get too comfortable." I love this line in your slice. This piece speaks to me about balance and your careful observations of your son tells so much.
ReplyDelete"Lying in wait on an iPad"...yes. I too, just answered my 11 year old with a "Yes" to get in a bit more writing and breakfast. Solidarity Mama, here's to the dishes, email and a tidy space. May you have a peaceful day!
ReplyDeleteNot to worry... you are in good company. We have all been there -- its a balance and it sounds like you are striking it perfectly. Sneak a cup of coffee in there too - while its still hot!
ReplyDeleteClare
It's so helpful to have them entertained so we can get the chores and necessities out of the way. I found without it, the transitions went smoother too. It's finding a balance that works best:)
ReplyDeleteLove the explanation of your ambivalence..."I'm using you to write this letter" ..I, too, have my daughter plopped in front of Alvin and his chipmunks while I get a little quiet time to post and comment....
ReplyDeleteThat parting threat, "But don't get too comfortable," is pure genius! Love it.
ReplyDeleteSigh...I feel your pain! CG is my 21-month-old son's favorite too -- very useful in the morning for the 25 minutes I need to shower and get dressed! I also feel guilty about the screen time sometimes, too...
ReplyDeleteWell, Curious George is fun! This is a conundrum all moms face at one time or another. Curious George will just have to learn when he's welcome and when he's not.
ReplyDeleteI like your piece. I know we love our children to be creative. I also love how when my daughter is not connected to the computer she spends more time laughing and interacting with us. It is a balancing act that we never quite master, however.
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