This is Crickles. He's eleven. So far, he's an excellent and motivated boy who loves to learn. He does not have a love of reading quite like he used to, but will read his required reading for school without too much pushing from me. Still. PC's and gaming are a HUGE thing in this house. The girl in the house hasn't any attachments to gaming - she enjoys it in proper amounts; the boys are over the boderline on abuse.
This is my oldest son. He's almost fifteen! Geesh. Anyhoo. He's smart. He does not have ADD/ADHD or anything diagnosed. He's a normal boy. He likes to learn what he wants to learn and that's it. Academically, he's spot on and I cannot complain about that. I do wonder why he doesn't try harder to get those solid A's. Thinking back, I know he had a boring and obnoxious kindergarten year - not a good experience - shoved aside by his teachers and the system. It's hard to make school a nice thing when the previous experience wasn't good. That's exactly what Dr. Sax points out in his book "Boys Adrift". I'm only two chapters in and he's pegged my boy. He says get the boy outside more. Outside - period.
I read "Gender Matters" and it does. I agree with most of what he says (except his opinions on sexuality and all that - I lean on the Church for that area as much as the other areas of life). I believe psychology has some interesting things to point out to us - if we really want to learn.
Once you know something in your head, you gotta get that "know" into your hands and feet - get moving and do something about it. Experience things hands-on. That is what has been my oldest boys problem from the start. Not enough outdoors "get in the dirt" "studying" - living it out loud. Before my youngest starts drifting - as well he might - we're going outside.
Thank God the sun's out. It's a perfect day for a walk - it might even do our health some good.
6 comments:
I think I need to check these out!
so that's where my sunshine is....hiding out at YOUR place!
and i agree...get those boys OUTSIDE. my boys used to be outsiders, then we moved to a "neighborhood" it was the worst mistake we ever made. they became serious "gamers" even the little one-could load his own profile on xbox-they swam because we had a pool, but that was it. now we are here-no t.v. very limited gameboy-xbox was stolen soon after we moved here-1/2 an acre and sometimes i have to go find them 'cause they are gone so long.
and i love it. i'll gladly deal with all of the muddy footprints.
it is hard, though, they'll probably have some withdrawls at first, but they'll be FINE!
ps. good luck on your embroidery.
and yes, i made the owl. it was half an idea from aimee ray'd doodle stitching book-a great inspiration for embroidery-and the rest came from my very own imagination.
happy rainy monday...
~me
I agree. Outside is the place to be. BOYS need that space. I come from a large family of boys that live outdoors. They hunt and fish a ton. I live for the outdoor life also. Dirt and grime...love it. We are big campers and just hook up the pop-up camper and live on the basics.
Boys will be boys!!!
Are ya feeling better yet?
Yes, get those boys outside!! My son does not like playing outside, even though we always have gone out, since he was a baby. I was the mama with the baby in the baby sled, all bundled up! I really think getting outside for fresh air and exercise and exploring is very needed for both them and me!!
My son though, loves to read and will ask in the summer when it is beautiful outside, if he can bring a book!! SO winter, he is constantly asking "Can I come in yet?" Drives me crazy! We limit the gaming to weekends but if he was deciding, he would play all the time!!!
What is it about boys and gaming?
Yeah...boys outside..nuff said!
Take if from me...I know. Watch the gaming if you notice somebody gettin mean about getting off. That is the first sign and clue...then get em out! Kinda good they have each other too.
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