My daughter is coming to the end of an entire weekend spent playing her Pokemon (Emerald Version) on her Gameboy Advance. And I am not using hyperbole: other than sleeping and eating, she has been playing the game all of her awake time since late Friday afternoon – my estimate is that she’s booked at least 30 hours catching Pokemon.
Is this ok?
My guess is that it is, as she hasn’t gotten sick yet. No coughing fits, no dizzy spells, no bouts of depression or anxiety. No high blood pressure or toe cramps. Just a look of determination mixed with half a smile.
I used to wonder about stuff like this: Was she watching too much tv, was she spending too much time on the internet or with her video games…?!? But after all is said and done, she’s graduating eighth grade near the top of her class. She’s got a variety of close friends. She’s got a healthy relationship with her folks (and, surprisingly, with her older brother). She seems to be fine.
Is it true that she has spent more time indoors than outdoors? Yes. Is it true that she prefers The Simpsons to the beach? Yes. But it is also true that she is a self-described happy person – in her words, she’s “awesome.” So I’m trying to become ok with my parenting thus far, to see the glass is half full, that giving her freedom of choice about the way she spends her free time was a smart decision. I mean, in the end, it’s about her happiness, right? Isn’t that how you’d want to be parented?
by Stu Mark
Photo graciously provided by satanslaundromat, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved
2 responses so far ↓
Dangermouse // Jun 16, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I’m not a parent so I can only relay how I think I would be with my own children. Seeing as how she is pretty well adjusted, and has come to be from such adroit parenting, I don’t think spending the time she does on such activities is detrimental to her personal development.
Physically, however, this could potentially evolve into or contribute to an aversion to exercise in the future. Combined with a sedentary lifestyle, it may spawn health issues, thus being worthy of discussion with her.
Dangermouse // Jun 16, 2009 at 3:37 pm
For what my 2c is worth, I don’t think it’s merely about the child’s happiness, but also their well being. As children, they are not always aware of what is really in their best interest. I can recall many a time when my parental figures were looking out for me, I ignored them in pursuit of my happiness, and ultimately regretted it later!
Being a parent is not only about parenting, but also informing. Helping children understand your decisions, as well as their own, and aiding them to become self-aware.
Again, I’m just an outsider, so what do I know. These are ideas that I would have liked to seen in my upbringing and make sense to me.
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