PC Turnoff Week
Posted By Kathleen David on August 1, 2005
This is, apparently, PC Turnoff week which seems to be the companion piece to TV Turnoff week which is in April. These groups have the same concerns and studies about the effects of the bøøb-ŧûbë and the computer are having on our children. The PC group gives a list of things for your kids to do while the PC is off. The funny thing is that the way that technology is used these days some of their suggestions won’t work unless you turn ON the PC.
One of the suggestions is to scrapbook with your kids. Great idea except the photos I would use are on the computer and my printer is how I now print my pictures. I could take the CD-ROM of the pictures to the local photo store but I would still have to turn on the PC to check out that I have the right disks. There are a couple of others that require that I turn on my PC to get the materials for use.
We limit Ariel’s time on the computer and oversee what she is doing. One of the few things that AOL has the upper-hand in is parental controls. We can choose what websites she goes to and which ones she may not. She can request that Peter unlocks a website for her so he can look at it before she does. Most of the websites she wants to go to are Teen sites attached to the magazines that she reads. Ariel tends to spend her spare time reading or playing on her portable game player. There is a limit to how long she can play with her PGP each day too. All things in moderation.
The ballgame was hot unless there was cloud cover. I used sunscreen more than once and still have a slight sunburn on one arm. Ariel came through unscathed as did her friend who we took with us. I did get a lot of knitting done but not much else. They lost 11 to 7 which was not as bad as the 11 to 2 score in the middle of the 7th when we had enough of the sun and the bad fielding. I haven’t seen that many overthrows at a little league game much less an Atlantic League game.
So today I need to return library books, rental DVDs and find the last couple of parts for the doll and possibly some more ping pong balls. Then it is off to the races for the finishing of the doll. Somewhere in there Peter and I want to go get lunch at one of our favorite places where we haven’t been in a while.
I am grateful that I can watch Caroline’s imagination expand as she plays with her toys.
Gasp! You limit how much time Ariel can be on the computer or play games? Next you’re going to say you take a look at the games she’s playing, the television she’s watching, the people she chooses to hang out with…
But such parents don’t exist in this day and age, right?
*pulls tongue out of cheek*
Wow, talk about missing the point – blaming the tool instead of the user! I can no more turn off my PC (particularly my work PC!) this week than I can quit my job. Come to think of it, one would very easily lead to the other. 🙂 I wish these folks would use their powers for something productive…
Here’s a novel idea. If you know you’re going to be observing PC turnoff week. You gould get ready for it the week BEFORE.
Oh, and Elayne, the NRA wants to have a word with you about your comment. Something about how you “get it”.
Wow! Parents who know what their children are doing on line-and how long the kids are line. If you could package and sell that talent you guys would be rich!!!
Hrm… Personally, I’m waiting for PC Turn-On Week. I’m curious if my PC likes long walks on the beach, dinner by candlelight, a sense of humor… 😛