No more computer time?

In today’s generation, we often see kids (even toddlers) play gadgets or computer already.  My son is not an exception of this.  As early as 2 years old he was already playing his Dad’s Ipod.  It’s one of the things that made him occupied for a time and for us to do some work.  He doesn’t have siblings so he doesn’t have anyone to play with except me or his dad (or sometimes his older cousins).

When his Ipod was broken a few months ago, he switched to playing computer games. We control the computer/gadget time by making him finish his works first and the computer time is his reward for doing a great job.

I also used this trick at school.  I always tell him to listen to the teacher and do the assigned tasks properly.  It worked for some time, but for 3 days now I think it’s not working anymore.

Last Monday, he is not listening to his teachers. I knew it because he is not looking while the teacher is explaining something and that he whines when asked to do something.  Although his behavior is still better than other kids, I find it not okay.  I just don’t want him to get used to it that’s why.

When we arrived home I told his dad what happened, so we told him that he can’t use the computer as a consequence of what he did.  He complies and follows naman, I am glad that he did not throw tantrums.

To make himself busy he reads hand me down books by his cousins, he also sketches some Transformer robots, colors them and quietly plays with his toys. After that he falls asleep.

At first we thought that he was just bored on topic that particular day that maybe he just already knew the answers to the questions of his teachers.

But the next day, his behavior at school is still the same until yesterday.  So, again we didn’t allow him to use the computer.  I’ve noticed that it seems that the “computer thing” is not working anymore. It seems that he is enjoying other activities more rather than playing computer.

Today he and his dad played with his clay and they created wonderful designs like this Transformer.

Yes, he is doing more activities now compared when he sits in front of the computer for an hour or two.  Also, he was able to take an afternoon nap unlike before and I am happy with that, but his attitude at school needs to improve. I think I should think of another motivator for him to behave well.