Wednesday 19 August 2009





It has been hot today, in the 80's - which is hot for me, I don't do well in the heat. I yearn for Autumn, my favourite season, I enjoy wrapping-up, blustery days and darker evenings.


I have been quite stressed the last few days. Trying to keep the boys occupied and constantly battling with Alex over the TV. (I keep pulling the plug out, he keeps plugging it in). If I had my way I would get rid of the TV - I very rarely watch it at all. I thought I was doing really well up until now with the viewing habits of my children, but this summer has hit a roadblock. Alex wants to either be playing outside (on his own), which I think he is too young for, or watching TV. Everything suddenly is boring! All his previous favourite pastimes, like drawing, dressing-up, imaginative play are not cutting it for him anymore. I was so looking forward to these summer holidays - an opportunity to spend much more time with him, but it just hasn't worked out the way I had hoped. I am hoping that our little summer holiday that's coming up in a couple of weeks will maybe shift the mood. I am hoping this is a phase and if anyone has any tips for me, they will gratefully be received.


On a lighter note, spent some lovely time in the woods searching out bugs and managed to get close to an amazing dragonfly - I am still trying to identify it. And can never get enough ladybirds!

4 comments:

victoria said...

Autumn is on its way, I can try and send some cool air your way :)
I don't have any tips on tv watching and kids, Im sorry. Matias doesn't know what tv is yet. But I have read in many books that the best thing is to hide the tv so it is not sitting in the middle of the room. Maybe you could try that? Put it in your bedroom maybe and try some days living without it (all of you). I'm sure you will get some complains at the beginning but I'm sure he will get used to it.

Francesca said...

What a lovely photo of the two of you! We are TV free (no reception), but we've had a pingpong table for a while that someone lent us. When the table went back to its owner, my boys sat around the house for days and days getting bored before they could remember all the activities they enjoyed doing. At that age my boys loved playing with medieval soldiers outside, and building forts and battle grounds, throwing mud balls and pebbles at the enemies, and buring the unlucky ones, until the wizard came to resuscitate them (if they could remember where the tomb was)

likeschocolate said...

It is always hard to find balance. I do not think you have to go as far as hiding the tv. It is hard, but you just have to stand your ground. You have to clearly state the rules about the tv and then stand your ground. It is hard. I know it is, but you can't go around hiding everything that is forbidden to them in life. There are lots of great blogs out there with really fantastic ideas of what to do during the summer months. Though I am not sure what your situation is at home and you know what it is ok if they do watch a little tv. You can find lots of great educational shows out there, but set a limit of how long you think is appropriate. Good luck!

Matt Kopikarat said...

Hi Samantha..wow u're really great mother. I am believe they proud of you. Deen from Malaysia.