MM: Tech Gadgets Techie Kids

Our kids opened their eyes with computers and internet in front of them. At the age of 3, they already know how to use a computer. Navigating a new gadget like an android cell phone is very "chicken" for them.

The internet was a great tool to get my son occupied. Especially when I was the only one taking care of the two of them and all the household chores. Anyway, those are educational games on the internet.

Little did I know that he's getting hooked up as time went by. He doesn't want to stop during meal time, nap time, or bath time. There's a time when my youngest son peed where he's seated in front of the computer table. And they're not anymore satisfied with kiddie websites and games like nickjr or pbskids. They want different kind of games. And they want their hands on the computer all day everyday.

Zach is playing P&Z while Winter is playing Angry Birds

That's when I thought that this has to stop. So from that time on, they're only allowed to play during weekends for 1 hour each. My hubby set the parental control of our computer. They can only use it when you log in to our account. And when they're using it, the internet connection is cut after 1 hour.

It's hard to implement the rule since they've really gotten used to being on the computer all day. There's a lot of whining, crying, begging and me getting annoyed. But I needed to be firm. And once I have broken the rule, when I let my youngest play during a weekday, or when I extended the time, he will try to break the rule the next day. We're back to 0 again. So remember to be consistent. 

Now they're used to playing computer during weekends only. And it's easier for them to stop when their time's up.


Plus, we don't buy them their own gadgets like PSP, wii, or cell phones. Aside from the fact that we can't afford it, controlling their use of the computer is enough headache for us. :D