I have a confession to make. I do not allow my children to have social media until they are 16. Why? Because I can not stand it. I do believe my children are better humans when they are not on electronics. I believe I am a better mother when I am not on electronics. Why do I ever feel the need to post about my life on Facebook, is beyond me. I have been trying very hard not too. UNLESS, it is too funny NOT to share. Like my mountain biking experience.
That needed to be shared, but other than that, why? I still do it. It’s an addiction. Truly. I have decided that my children do not need the pressure of social media, at least not until they are out of middle school. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that my 13 year old daughter is the ONLY one without Snapchat and Instagram!
Peyton, “Mom, I am the only one without snapchat. THE ONLY ONE.”
Me, “You LIKE to be different.”
Peyton, “Not “bite my nails in the corner” kind of different.”
That got a laugh out of me and I almost gave in, almost. Instead, I told her, “then don’t bite your nails.”
When school let out for the summer, the only friends I had were the ones within biking distance. I didn’t have sports camps, playdates, out of town soccer tournaments, or summer camps. I stayed home and biked all over, played outside, made things up in my brain (this is called using your imagination.), and dug in the dirt.
The best parenting advice I have received was, “let your child be bored.” It is okay not to have all your moments scheduled. Running here to there, keeping a pace that is insane. Let them be BORED… then things like this happen:
Peyton, “Well, since I can’t have my phone, do you want to help me sew something?”
Me, “HELL YES.” (I didn’t say Hell, but I really wanted too!)
Peyton, “How about this dress? I think it is maybe too short.”
Me, (Is that a dress?? It looks like a SHIRT!! Again, I think this my head) What I say out loud is, “Okay, why don’t you pick out some fabric and we can make it longer.”
She picks out some fabric and I help her pin it on. Then she does the rest.
An hour later she is done.
Peyton, “That was really fun.”
Me, “Better than snapchat.”
Cheers!
Andrea
