Summer Fun

It is time for summer finally! I am so happy to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather and the opportunities to capture some beautiful images. It is also time to hide those video games, put away the DVD's and push the kids outside. But, shhh!, must not tell the kids!

I have decided that this year the games must go away, I am seeing the addiction that is taking over my kids as they stare like zombies at the screen. This is something that I blame on myself as I am the parent, the one who is "supposed" to be in control.

It started when my youngest was small. My lovely brother gave my 5 yr old son Nintendo 64 with games to play. He was so excited! But I was good an maintained his use . . . for a while. I was a working mom, so time was limited and as I came home from work and was preparing dinner it was so easy to just let him sit in front of the game system and entertain himself. Then a few years later I was pregnant for my second, even less time on my hands. This is by no way an excuse for letting this happen, just a view in to how easily it happens.

After my second son came along, I was home and got back on limiting the use of the game system and time in front of the television. It was working very well for a while, and somehow, I let it start happening again. My son would look at me with those big blue eyes and I would cave. The worst thing I could do, letting him gain control. But it happened, and now at ages 10 and 4 they are both experts at their games, love watching movies and don't nearly get out as much as they should.

So here it is, I have made up my mind that it is not too late. I am not going to give up on my kids, I is no too late to break those bad habits. Time to lock those zombie boxes away and get out to the park, the beach, the backyard, anywhere as long as it is outside where they can soak up the sun and the much needed vitamin D.

So I encourage all other mom's out there who are finding themselves in a similar situation to get off the couch, out of the house and take your babies into the light!

Happy summer everyone!