H had a massive cry tonight, totally distraught. The reason?
I told her it was time to stop playing on the iPad. Granted, it was partly my fault as I hadn’t given her a warning before stopping so I deserved the reaction.
From her innermost sadness at one of the worst things happening in her short life (and trust me, I know about bad punishments*) she wailed, tears streaming down her face at the injustice of it all.
Except the wail. She sounded like Tarzan.
Occasionally I speak before I think. This was one of those occasions. “You sound like Tarzan” I laughed as my poor distraught toddler who wanted to play on the iPad forever made the “aaaaAAAAAaaEEEEeeeEEEAAAAHHHaaeEEEEEEEaahhhh” noise, and Shaun burst out laughing in the kitchen.
She did it again. I couldn’t help it, I laughed again. I had to cuddle her if only because I felt so bad I laughed at her like that.
But oh, it was funny.
* bad punishments. At the age of approximately five I had a fashion stencil which you coloured in all those various mid-seventies styles. I was playing ‘Fashion Designer’ and the designs got rejected, so I stuck them in the fire in our front room. The carpet and the designs in the fire (I didn’t think it was on) made contact and I was banished to my room. To this day I remember my punishment for this terrible deed. I was denied Tomato Soup. My favourite soup. I remember that same kind of distraught crying H was probably doing at being denied it. I was a Very Bad Girl. This story does have a conclusion, but it’s probably one I shouldn’t repeat on the internet. Ask me one day if you ever meet me.
As a parent it is our responsibility to teach our children good manners but obviously not being overly strict with it as instead of doing good, it turns out to be more of an evil. Our kids turn against us and we face their rebellious actions. So better be nice to them and teach. One more thing I would like to add. These days with all the fun new games and apps and so much to learn from the internet, kids remain glued to their iPads or tablets like leeches. I am sorry for saying that but my kids do act like one and will have their snacks while holding the iPad in their hands. Sometimes they even take it to the loo. I came across this really nice video http://youtu.be/voYjNffEvfk
which teaches how adding a little cushion can save my kid from possible RSI in a few years from now. Bought my sons an iPad stand from http://www.mobiletoyz.co.uk at a very reasonable price and am very happy i made the right choice. Can't change them to not using the machine for long but can protect them from hurting themselves.