The current trends: video games VS reading

Even with the imminence of the house-moving event, it’s still a reassurance to keep the routine in place as much as possible.

My job is wonderful, I’m actually enjoying it. It made such a difference in my disposition. Knowing that I’ve joined such a prestigious and charitable organization under these challenging times during a massive transition undertaking has been truly life-changing. The company, the team I’m part of, the whole positive culture in the current times have been decisive to my goal setting confidence.

Gary’s happy where he is. He likes the variety in his role and it gives him flexibility and a good work and life balance. He gives but he also takes, which is what you want from a job. He is also looking to progress in his certifications still related to water treatment, specializing in swimming pool treatment, already thinking ahead of those retirement time odd jobs.

We are trying to ensure the children keep their school attendance up. It has not been easy. We had a few pandemic “after hours” requests to skip school due to feeling “sick” - which can have multiple meanings and justifications - when all they really wanted was to not face the winter outside. I know, it’s grey, it’s cold, feel heavy carrying all the coats, scarves, hats, gloves. In winter, everyone feels a little more demotivated, depressed even sad. But when things get tough, the tough get going. We are building their resilience.

They leave the house seeing me staying and working from home, thinking I’m having the time of my life! On the computer for 8 hours at a time, in the warmth, having my cuppa every so often. They don’t see the invisible benefits of working from the office, outside the house. Because that’s what they would like.

Once they get home from school all they want to do is to sit in front of a screen until I force them to drop it for dinner. And there is no day where they don’t try and get an extra 5 minutes to “save” or hey need to finish the game otherwise they get “banned” from joining future games just for abandoning (yes, there’s such a thing). We had to set a couple of ground rule and this has and shall remain consistent: no games after dinner and no tech before bed.

I have been trying to go back into reading and make this the relaxing activity of choice for the whole family, the tech escape. Charlotte used to enjoy it but technology has pulled her away and made her now find it boring, in comparison. I am still hopeful that as she sees me and Gary going back into reading more regularly, she may feel drawn to do it too. We have no issues with convincing Cedric to read. He obviously enjoys video games, but he has been enjoying reading his Percy Jackson’s so much (obcessed even!) that I don’t think he feels like it is a bad alternative to the games, when he’s not allowed tech. I find this is a good compromise, I’m happy with it.