Carpe Diem Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I announced last night that starting 2009 the children had to complete piano practice and silent reading of a book outside of our homeschooling prior to an electronic time. Wow. You should of heard the complaints. The 7 year old was sort of for the idea. She only has to do 15 minutes of each which is a challenge for her. The 11 yo was very dead set against it. Lots of tears and complaints of having a rule in our house. Apparently she thinks no one else has rules. She has to do 30 minutes of each which is easy for her but she just does not want me giving her a "rule". She says "why didn't you start this when I was three, then I would be use to it. You can't just make up a rule now!" Am I mean? So, wish me luck in standing firm. I hope I did the right thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julieofsardis Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 This is absolutely not mean and I warn you not to cave. Oh, how I wish I hadn't. You'll start a cycle of you setting rules, them whining, and you caving. If you stick to your guns now about relatively easy stuff, then the harder stuff will be more easily implemented later. Just my hard learned opinion. Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in AUS Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Great work!! I don't think you are mean, i will do this in my house if i need to when the kiddos are older. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Nope, not mean. The piano practice rule was one of the ones we had at home and once the initial shock wore off, it was just one of those things we did. They'll get used to it soon enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I think it sounds like a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siloam Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Good for you!! Don't cave or it will just be more painful later. If it makes you feel any better I am upping my 2nd dd time by 5 mins, and I know it is going to mean huge dramatics. Over just 5 little mins. :lol: Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Sounds like we should start a "no electronics before _:__ time club! Great idea! Carrie:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda in TX Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I know from past experience that there will be weeping and wailing for a week or two, then acceptance. My problem is that once it gets easy, I get lax. It's time to reinstitute the rules, though. It has gotten out of control here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 My experience is that there is much whining, moaning, and groaning for 2-3 weeks and then they get used to it. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I absolutely think you did the right thing, LOL. No rules after age 3? Hmmmmm...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strawberry Queen Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 That sounds like a good idea. I should have that rule but have it before play time. School work, piano practice, silent reading, then play. I just never seem to get the silent reading in but this just may work.:D I just can't wait till I tell my girls. I've upped my expectations for the oldest as far as school work goes and she's the only one old enough for piano lessons so this should make her feel extra special. :cheers2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maria/ME Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 My 10.5 yr old, when I make a new rule or hand down a proclamation, gets really bent out of shape "When did this start??!!" or " Since when and for how long??!!" maybe it's an age thing? (See previous posts on the 9-12 year old stages) You sound like a really mean mom! Way to go!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 If that's mean, I don't want to be nice. Good luck! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inashoe Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 If your children found out the rules in some of our homes - they'd be very happy to rather stick with yours ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annabel Lee Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 If your children found out the rules in some of our homes - they'd be very happy to rather stick with yours ! Haha, same here! We have a "no electronics of any type until ALL schoolwork is completed" rule here. That goes for everyone. Unless I have planned for them to watch the occasional science video or something, but I'm the only one that can bend it. :D Tell your kids about us, they'll think you're GREAT! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 At our house here's how screen time is earned --- The kids each have 3 sets of chores per day. VERY easy, age appropriate, completion expectations are reasonable. Set one is feed the dog or gather laundry (they rotate), get dressed, clean up your room (toys in toy box, books on bookshelf, straighten bed - no perfection here, just basics, VERY simple). Set two is after breakfast - take vitamin, brush teeth, school work and piano. Set three is dinner time - set table, clear table, clean up floor. Each set takes about 10 minutes, minus the school and piano time. I mostly put them on the "chore" list to make sure they were getting done, LOL! For each set done - the kids get a ticket (we use Accountable Kids to manage it all and I LOVE it). For 5 tickets they can buy screen time - 30 minutes of TV or a video game. If they don't earn their tickets that day - they can't spend any. They can lose them for attitudes, etc. It is VERY effective. All I tell the kids is "knock out your chores" and they do it. It's awesome. And screen time is not a big issue here since the standards are so clear. I know we are very strict about screen time, but it works really well for us. So, no, you're not strict. You are the mom - you are the parent - they'll be OK. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carpe Diem Posted January 2, 2009 Author Share Posted January 2, 2009 I knew I wasn't being too strict!!! I was almost embarrassed to log it on the forum. I was mostly worried about the piano issue, if insisting that practice happens (even if it is just a bit) would that make them resent the piano/lose interest. My oldest has apologized for her antics which was sweet, but she then asked if she could please schedule her reading for 1:30 but still be allowed to have some time prior to that for an electronics break from homeschooling. She is rigid about wanting things scheduled just so and in her mind she should have a 10-15 minute break in the a.m. Is she just trying to wear me down already so soon? Or should I let her earn her am break from her work from the day before? Thanks for your replies. I enjoyed reading them!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julieofsardis Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 My oldest has apologized for her antics which was sweet, but she then asked if she could please schedule her reading for 1:30 but still be allowed to have some time prior to that for an electronics break from homeschooling. She is rigid about wanting things scheduled just so and in her mind she should have a 10-15 minute break in the a.m. Is she just trying to wear me down already so soon? Or should I let her earn her am break from her work from the day before? It sounds very reasonable the way you put it, but I know for a fact that this is the way my dd has gotten away with so much over the years. She is good at negotiating and it usually wears me down. Could you tie the piano practice to the morning break? She practices 15 minutes and then gets 15 minutes of screen time. Then the rest can be after the reading part is completed. I will usually allow my dd to negotiate as long as her attitude is good and she is respectful of the final decision that I make. If she starts whining or rolling her eyes, etc. then the answer is automatically no. Hope you work it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Lynx Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 You are not mean. Always, our rule has been: No computer/TV time until all schoolwork, chores, and piano practice are completed, AND you've gotten some exercise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I think it's great, just make sure you follow up, be consistent and don't cave in ;) Oh yes, and remember your own rule :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inashoe Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 My oldest has apologized for her antics which was sweet, but That is sweet, but if it were up to me, No. If my kids need a break, then it has to be physical, something to get the heart pumping. Run around outside, ride their bikes for ten minutes, play ball etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in SouthGa Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 If it helps, tell them how mean I am. We don't let the kids have electronics at all during the school week. Only 2 hours on the weekends. We gradually got here from the TV or video games being on pretty much all day every day 1 1/2 years ago. We first went to dvds only, then no TV or video games period-they were taking advantage of the rules and just watching dvds all day, so we made them go cold turkey. The toddler gets to watch noggin some during the day, and they will watch football at night with their dad some, but video games are for weekends and school breaks only. Otherwise, it just gets out of control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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