Inspiring Play

We used to have a media rule:

The kids were allowed to have 1 1/2 hours of media a day.

(Media consists of any electronic device: TV, Watching movies, Playing on their DSs, Leapsters, Wii, etc.)

This summer, I didn't enforce the rule.

I just plain got lazy about it.

Plus, I was able to get a lot done while the kids were preoccupied.

I went on a cleaning binge this summer

and realized my kids didn't play with most of their toys.

 A lot of them stayed in their closets collecting dust.

I was disappointed and about to donate all their toys to a nearby charity.

Then I remembered what a very wise friend said to me one time about her family's media rules.

She said they didn't allow media M-F.

At 5:00pm Friday - Sunday they did allow media.

I announced to the kids a couple weeks ago

that we were going to have the same rule.

Their reaction:

"Awwwww!  That's gonna be horrible!"

I reminded them that their friends have the same rule and they get by just fine in life.

The first week went surprisingly well.

Although, I did get asked daily, "Is it Friday yet?"

and then on Friday, I was constantly asked if it was 5:00 yet.

At 4:55pm on Friday, all four kids stood staring at the clock until the digital numbers flashed that red

5:00.

They are allowed media time on the weekends, and they enjoy it.

But what I've noticed more,

is that they enjoy playing with their toys too.

I have seen toys out that I haven't seen in close to a year.

They do much more imaginative play too.

It's amazing what getting your zombie children away from the TV will do!

The boys pulled out their K'nex and played with them for the first time in a long time.

Garrett made a "Ferris Wheel".

The boys sitting proud with their creations.  Gavin's was a "Bomb" (Oh boy! We might be in trouble with this one)

I pulled out the Dominoes and introduced them to the fine art of making a Domino chain.

Gavin's first one.  He was quite proud. :)