I have two girls turning 10 and 8 this year. I don’t like the way I’m raising them but I feel like it’s too late now. They are materialistic. They don’t enjoy each other’s company. They have lost touch with nature and prefer devices. When I take them to the beach etc they say they are bored and it takes the ages to “thaw out.” I want them to explore, and make their own fun. Be creative etc. is it too late? I just don’t even know how to begin to change.
3 Replies
It’s not too late, it’s going to take some effort and there is going to be stroppines from your kids until they adjust
It’s never too late. My kids are exactly like the ones that you describe that you want them to be.
I believe it’s because my kids have never had the devices.
My kids gets bored, they go outside and make a cubby house, tree house anything and spend hours out there. Ride their bikes around, skate, scooters. They don’t know any different. They find so much to do, which makes me so happy and know that holding them off from technology has given them a similar life that I grew up knowing.
It’s not too late for you to turn things around but don’t leave it any later.
You need to get tough on the technology business. Weekends get them out. Leave phones at home if they have any.
Don’t rush home or leave when they want to go. Move on to the next spot, weather it be a diff park, beach, shop anything. They need to be bored. Stay out longer and stretch the day out. Keep them out and active. Or if you stay home but no technology.
I think material things has needed to be taught from the start. I have always raised my kids that material things mean nothing and we stick to the basics. I explain expensive brands and go through options. If you could have this expensive bag $500 or feed 50 poor people. I show them the value and comparisons and how they can help others.
You need to try and get back to the basics. Simple living. Start with taking their Technology Away if they have it. Stick to certain hours or days and don’t give in. Cut back from buying stuff for them if you do. Get them to help around the house and save for things they want. Don’t just give it.
Not saying you do, but in the case if you do these things. I’m just telling you the things that work for me.
Get a tent or caravan and take them camping.
I don’t believe it’s ever too late, but you need to be ready for a tough time. If you’ve let the behaviour go on for a long time, then the kids wont see an issue with what they are doing. You cannot be too harsh on them if the push back or struggle to adjust. You all need to change gradually. It will take time and there will be fights and tears and no doubt you’ll hear “i don’t love you” from the kids or even them say that you don’t love them etc, just weather it, it will pass.
Change small things first, get them out to play basketball, or a scavenger hunt something interactive. Get a bunch of their friends to go to the park or the local pools and get them excited about life.
Good luck xx