Comments on: “Discipline Without Distress” – The Last Chapter!

By: Hannah

Hannah — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:11:18 +0000

I have a real problem with limiting my time on the computer – I have all sorts of excuses like needing it to do the shopping or needing distraction while nursing etc. My son then sees the laptop and wants to watch videos on it. I have noticed his behaviour is worse when he is watching videos a lot and I would like to remove the option but I need to be in a place myself where I can do that. It is true that children model themselves on us and I really hope to be a better model.

By: Apple

Apple — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:09:18 +0000

We gave up TV about 3 years ago – my boys are now 8 and 5. It was quite easy for us. I only wish I had done it sooner! I really think they know on some level that this is in their best interest and so accepted it without fuss. My older guy was just beginning to be interested in the computer when we gave up screen time for the kids so that was pretty easy too, but not as easy as TV. These days they may spend a little time looking at Lego or Playmobile online if they go to their Dad’s office or they may see a little TV or watch some video game on Uncle’s i-phone when visiting family but at home they are so busy with their own play that it’s not something they seek out at all. I have definitely noticed though with even a little tiny bit of exposure to the computer they get kind of funky and a little addicted. It’s crazy! But it also helps to really reinforce how right the decision was for our family!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:58:13 +0000

I’d have to agree with Renee that once you start a “little” tv/computer/dvd here and there (for us it was only one dvd about whales!!!) it turns into a bit of a battle. More, more, more. It’s like, once that’s an option for the little one, the creativity/figure-out-something-fun-to-do switch in the brain is instantaneously turned off and all they want to do is watch the screen. As a parent, I feel like it’s more of a battle with media outlets. We’ve cut out all tv (our son is 4) and he really only sees mom or dad on a computer once in awhile and *for a specific task* such as checking weather or directions (though going outside and guesstimating by the sky or grabbing an atlas would be awesome, too!). That’s helped a lot with his requests for screen time. Honestly, my husband and I have decided that screen time just isn’t appropriate for a child so young. It’s an open thing, but I’m thinking more like early tween years. Preschool screen time?! Any time we’ve tried it, it’s just felt “wrong” for the little one.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:16:29 +0000

Renee, I think you hit it right on the head…That part of the human personality that has a hard time regulating, that tendency toward over-consumption, over-everything in the Early Years especially. Thank you for sharing your story.
Many blessings,
Carrie

By: Renee

Renee — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:11:05 +0000

Hi. I have an almost 5-year-old son who has had some exposure to DVDs, PBS and movies, and limited exposure to computer games, especially prior to my learning about Waldorf/Steiner and the developmental needs of an under-7. But what I have found based on my experience with him is that I am unable or unwilling to regulate his usage. It seems that if TV/computers are an option, then he will whine and beg for more, more, more. And I will give in particularly when I need to get something done or just want some head space for myself. It really is too easy to use the TV or computer as a babysitter, if it’s an option. Since we have said “no” to TV/computer time, life is so much easier and better for us. Less whining, more creative play, lots more outside time. We still have a family movie night every Friday night where watch the same 3 or 4 DVDs over and over again. But, I am thinking of phasing that out to one or two nights a month and using the other Fridays for games night.

As far as computers and gaming goes, it is my thinking that we will wait till he is about 9 or 10 depending on where he is developmentally. But, if we have to put him in public school, we’ll be fighting a battle b/c computer games become part of their homework. Unbelievable but true! Let’s hope that we can financially continue to swing homeschooling and/or be closer to a Waldorf school by then!

By: melissa aka equidae

melissa aka equidae — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:15:46 +0000

In Malta computers are introduced from preschool (kindergarten) and carry on with it till the end of their scholastic life. I have also seen that preschools are also teaching kids how to write even though by law it should be from grade 1 and I admit I am not quite happy about it. However, being that here homeschooling is against the law I can’t see quite a way out of it apart from not sending my son to preschool. However that raises another problem that when he goes to grade 1 the rest of the kids know how to write apart himself….what are your views on this? I wouldn’t wish to teach him computer either before he is 6-7