Like most moms, I'm worried that my kids are spending too much time with their gadgets and gizmos. On a usual weekend, they'd be surfing the net or playing iPhone/Wii/PS2 games. Often, if I don't remind them, they'd be so occupied with their games and Internet activities that they'd neglect to take a bath or eat their meals on time.
Whenever I try to reduce their "tech time," they'd argue that they study all week, and they just want to relax and have fun on the weekend. True, I do forbid playing computer games on schooldays, and they are better-than-average students, so trying to tear them away from their beloved games on weekends does make me feel like I'm being an evil villainness. Besides, they say, they don't just play on the computer. They also do school research, email, paint, connect with their friends (who seem to be all techy too), etc., etc. I have noticed that Raj (age 11) indeed makes great drawings on some graphics website she frequents, and Alden's grammar has gotten pretty good now that she often chats with friends, including some foreigner ones. (Alden's 9.) And Jigme (age 14)--geez, her computer skills in a lot of applications now surpass my own.
Still, I'd be happier if they spent less time in front of an LCD screen and more time playing physically, like we did when I was a kid. So, when they expressed a desire to have pets, they didn't have to do much persuading before I said yes.
On Alden's birthday last September, she got two turtles. (We bought Raj a turtle too because she was sick and we wanted to make her smile.) On their school's foundation day, Alden and Raj brought home little painted chicks (without my permission though). And just a week ago, Raj bought two bunnies as her early birthday present. (She turns 11 on October 24).
As a result, our garage (where all the animals stay) is now often smelly, with rabbit poop all over the floor. We have to clean up the animals' mess and cages daily, otherwise our house would stink to the high heavens. These are additional chores for Manang and myself.
But who's complaining? Now, when the kids get home from school, they'd inevitably spend their time relaxing at the garage with the animals, feeding them and playing with them. I'm happy that they (not just the kids, but the animals too) all seem to be enjoying themselves without any help from some high-tech gizmo. What's more, the kids are learning what it's like to care for and protect other living things. Some stray cats wander into our house, and we have to be vigilant that they don't hurt the rabbits.
The rabbits are named Raki and Alice, courtesy of Raj. They're super cute and lovable. :-)
Raki looking out longingly into the garden
Alice begging me for food :-)
Raki chilling
