Electronic ground rules

It’s something OUR parents didn't even have to think about, and often the bane of our own existence. 

The delema doesn’t go away when you are travelling and I found myself recently in a negotiation with Amber about where we would draw the line…

For me, I wanted to make sure she didn’t miss all the wonderful experiences. For her, escaping into a world of earphones and games is ‘chill out’ time away from the excitement.

Now, I’m not saying I always get parenting right, but on this occasion I felt pretty successful. “What boundaries do you think we should have?” I asked…

“What If I can play two hours a day?” she said…

That was a good start and for once I could give her a perceived more than she asked for… (doesn’t always happen). “How about you can use them when we are driving, and they stay in the car?” I said, knowing we were likely to drive about three hours a day.

A rare WIN WIN was decided, and it has worked ever since! I have her full attention when I want it, and she can zone out as I drive… It turns out,asking what is was SHE wanted, created a great starting point!