Ok, most people know that I am kind of strict when it comes to how much, and what kind of movies I let my kids watch.
I really don't like them watching a lot of movies because HELLO! there are so many better and more wonderful things to do in the world than sit around watching the tube. (Thankfully, it's only movies I have to worry about, since we don't have TV channels)
Also, I don't know if anyone else's kids are like mine after watching movies, but my kids become like crazy bouncy balls after the overstimulation of a movie. And actually, my kids are already like bouncy balls, so why would I want them to become even more bouncier?!
Anyway, you get the point.
But, this week I have gained a new appreciation for movies' place in my life.
This week I have also been reminded of something I forgot about myself. I am an introvert. Let me tell you my definition of an introvert before you imagine up that I am some shy, hermit person.
What I mean by introvert is someone who turns inward to process thoughts and events. An extrovert, on the other hand, are those people who like to talk to other people to process information. You know. When you're trying to make a decision, or wrap your mind around something that's happened, do you think about it a lot, write down your thoughts, or do you talk to 3 different friends about it?
I'm sure we all can think of both introverts and extroverts whom we know and love. It's good to know what your spouses, family, and friends are, too.
For instance, my 6 year-old extrovert loves people and gains energy from being around other people. GAINS energy. I guess I can't imagine her gaining energy when her energy level is already 150% at all times. But, really, it's good for me to plan playdates for her because she loves people.
My 4 year old introvert loves his friends, too. But, after 2 hours of playing with friends, he's like a grouchy bear. He needs to be alone for a while. Even 5-10 minutes, and he's back to cuddly bear.
So, what does all that mumbo jumbo have to do with movies??
Because with my 4 kids, I NEVER HAVE ANY QUIET, ALONE TIME TO PROCESS ANY INFORMATION UNLESS THEY ARE WATCHING A MOVIE.
Hey-maybe that's why my brain seems fried half the time. No time to process information, let alone remember information! Great! I'll just blame my air-headedness on that!
So, no more wishing I lived 100 years ago, when there weren't any movies, so I wouldn't have to hear my kids beg for more movies.
NOpe!
I am happy to be living now.
Except, 100 years ago, I would probably have more than 5,000 sq. ft of land that I could send my kids out to frolick in without worrying that some psycho would come take away my kids.....
But, I'm going to try not to think about that.
Happy to be living now.
Livin' the Dream...lovin the movies.
I think that's good you were able to figure out you are an introvert and need that personal time. I'll have to think about what I am, I am kind of shy but I like to talk through everything with Jon, hmmm. Hope you get a fence soon!!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... Sounds to me like what you need is designated "rest time." I still manage to get about an hour of alone time almost every day -the two littler ones nap (sometimes Goose just rests in his bed) and the two big boys have quiet rest time together in their room listening to a book on CD (tons available at the library) which I set on a timer. They must sit and read or color in their bed for a set # of CD chapters, and then they can play quietly together on the floor until the timer clicks off. If they abuse the quiet rules or bicker during that time, they must spend the rest of the time alone in their beds again.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how any of us would get through the day without that time. Even the boys are much happier come afternoon and evening if they've had that quiet semi-alone time. Well worth the time invested in coordinating the naps!
Benny
If you get a fence, then you can send them outside and process your feelings then. You both win!!! I voted yes! Is there a limit to how many times I can vote??? YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
ReplyDeleteI think the fence is a great idea! I want one myself but will try to live vicariously through you. :) As I told Brad, even if you are outside with the kids you would be able to read a book or RELAX (imagine!)because you would know they were trapped (in the most humane way of course).
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