Technology, screen time, MELTDOWN!

It's been exactly 2 weeks on the road. We have seen so much and been given our first big lesson in patience with the RV tires. The kids are loving the lack of structure but that is now a big concern for me. Bedtime has been a challenge due to the extended light here in the Northwest. It is still light outside at 10pm so the body is having a hard time feeling the need to slow down. The kids love the ability to stay up so late and sleep in.

Our eating schedule is off as well. Breakfast is more like brunch and lunch is typically an early dinner. I enjoy the "go with the flow" feeling this new adventure is creating however I wonder how long this can maintain before disaster strikes.

The kids were given their Kindle Fire tablets at the beginning of this trip (they were previously taken away due to the constant and almost insatiable want to stay on them and the meltdown that would occur after the tablets were put up. The tablets had been removed for a year). I guess ignorance is bliss because I felt with the kids being a year older maybe just maybe the meltdowns would not occur. I WAS WRONG!!!!

The kids were so addicted and the yelling and rude behavior that would occur after was unbearable and put me in a agitated state. I then was aggressive and snappy to the kids and Kris. SOMETHING HAD TO CHANGE.

The kids lost their tablets for a week this past Friday and if I can be honest it has been heaven. The first day was a nightmare but after the kids realized we were not giving in the behavior returned to normal. They began to play with each other again and to color, draw, read and entertain themselves with very little assistance and WITHOUT screaming and yelling.

SO....this is my dilemma....Do I give them back?

We have been watching a DVD at night to help the kids relax and unwind at bedtime and this seems to be sufficient.

THE NEW PLAN:

Kris and I formulated a new technology schedule. The kids can have their Amazon Fire tablets on travel days. These are the days that are the hardest for them. It helps pass the time in the RV when we are between locations. When we arrive at a campsite the technology is put away. Outside is where they need to be, to explore and create and allow nature to be a playmate.

If anyone else has a schedule or suggestion I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment and please leave your NAME. When people leave us a message it only identifies the individual as a number like "Visitor #6248. So please leave us your name when you comment.

Happy Trails from the Petree's