no tv, no computer, no electronics!!!!????

I try that with mine and they look at me like im crazy! until daddy gets home or speaks up then they are like robots LOL

NO PLAYSTATION? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND? Good job! I've been limiting my kids to computer games, and Playstation time all summer and making them go play outside, color, or read a book. It's been so hot here lately we havent been going outside all that much. I am thinking about buying them some learning games for thier Nintedo Ds though so that the game playing is actually doing them some good. My kids tend to fight more when they are playing the games then when they arent.

Just what were you thinking by taking all the best things from your kids. That might be sen as child abuse. haha. No really I think that you have done a great thing for yourself and for your kids. It must really feel good to have your kids communicating with each other. You have to be one tough cookie to be able to stay with this decision. I salute you for being such a good mom.

We did not have to worry about it. Our boys wanted to play outside and we had a hell of a time trying to get them to come inside. In fact, when they did get the computer, they used it at night, so then we had another problem, they want to play hockey, soccer, and baseball, go to their friends' houses, play cards and monopoly and when they come home, and have supper, decide that they are going to have a lan party either here at home or at their friends's so they were up to two am in the morning and on top of that they had to go to work or to school. So I guess now you had better get a Monopoly Game, but watch it when one of you laughs evily and says, I won, and grabs all of the play money!

That is great that you decided that. Look at all of your kids getting along with each other and having fun. And think of all the electricity you are saving by having them play outside and stay off the television, etc. I bet you are saving money on your electric bill. Keep up the good work. I also have 4 kids ranging from 3 to 17 so I know what you are going through. Hang in there!

What do I think of this idea? In my opinion, this is one of the best things parents can do for their children! You obviously received positive results, but even if you hadn't I'd still think it was an awesome idea. (I love the sarcasm in your description as well, by the way. Your discussion was fun to read.) Why I think it's such a good idea is because nowadays kids are so used to using all of these electronic devices and such that they've practically fried their poor little brains! They've also allowed things such as the computer to take the place of good, wholesome fun that can be created by things you mentioned such as playing with siblings and enjoying the outdoors. When I was younger, I played with my one brother and four sisters all the time. We played outside with the neighbors on a regular basis as well. I was the same as your children; I would've thrown a fit if I would've been forced to go back inside. That would've been the punish. Nowadays, the punishment is making kids go outside away from their "toys." I think in doing what you did, you were doing your kids a huge favor by teaching them a valuable lesson. Other than the obvious advantages to your actions, your children were always able to get plenty of fresh air, which helps them sleep better at night. Good ol' oxygen does wonders for the body! (LOL) On top of that, they're using less electricity (less $$$ for bills on your end). When all is said and done, there's absolutely nothing harmful in what you did for (notice I didn't say "to") your kids. Good for you! You're to be commended for your wonderful efforts in helping your children see things from a completely different perspective. I think this was a great summer "project" for you and your family. I'm sure you were surprised as well as delighted by the results. Keep up the great work!

I guess this is a classic case of necessity is the mother of invention, but maybe in reverse. It's true that if they are forced to, people will find other stuff to do. Where I live in rural eastern Canada, the electricity goes out easily due to weather, good or bad, warm or cold, as the devices humans use to regulate their environment tax the power grid. One day the power went out and I pulled out candles and playing cards. I sat down on the floor with my boys, ages 15, 16, and 18 at the time. We played Go Fish for about an hour until the lights came back on. Amazing how it will not only create "new" things to do, but lack of electricity and gadgets will also create more family togetherness.

Sounds like you made a very smart move that turned out even better than anyone could hope for. I would do the same except that I would be punishing myself I think...LOL. I enjoy playing games with my kids on our xbox to much to stop it.

Enforce that! Good for you! Put them OUT in the fresh air to PLAY! They'll sneak a little at friends' houses abyway? But getting kids out for kickball, to play in a pool or ride bikes/roller blade is great! Stay at it. Don't get pushed around by whining! Let them whime outtside at a baskletball or tennis court all they want. They will still PLAY! Make sure they have some paints and paper, etc..cards/UNO! Board games can be fun! Us moms are behind you! LOL!

I think that is great. Now your children see that there are other things to occupy their time and minds besides electronics. It is wonderful that they are appreciating each other more

if i'am no computer, no internet no feeling in life

I think this is a awesome idea. When I was growing up we didn't even have a TV...I know, I know sounds impossible but it is the truth. We were encouraged to do other things. Through school I played every sport and was involved in other activities. I also always had a clean room and our house was clean because you would get bored so you would help out. Now that I am a mother of 2 and only 23 years old I would like to enforce the same with my children.

Wow, that is awesome! I would love to do that! I don't think that I could ever get my husband to agree. He's kind of a tv addict also. He works long hours and just wants to come home and relax in front of the tv most nights. Some nights there is just way to much electronic input and I have to go hide upstairs with a book!

I think it was a great idea. Just make sure that you le them use them sometimes. The world today is built on electronics. So when they're older they will NEED to use them. Make sure they get enough to be up to date with them. But not too much...

Way to go! Kudos to you! May have to follow your example. We have 3 kids ages 7 to 13. They are constantly on some electronic device - TV, DS, Video Game, Computer. However, the girls do have friends who call them up and get them out of the house. This summer they've gone swimming several times already (to the point where we've decided to get them season passes). And when the kids behind us get on their trampoline - it acts like a magnet. My kids are out there within minutes. So are half the other kids in the block. And they do go outside willingly to play with the dog. And I'm giving both the girls scooters for their birthday so hopefully that will get them out more too.