i'm so evil
Yesterday, my 6-year-old cousin came over to stay for the day. He usually watches TV (Cartoon Network) or plays an online game (or does both) to occupy his time. My grandparents don't speak English, so naturally electronics are his safe haven. Right before he left, his mom (my aunt) asked if he had read his library book. It was a fairly straightforward book - what else would it be for a 6-year-old? His reply was no. Tsk, tsk. I said he hadn't read because he was watching TV all day. 'Watch, tomorrow you'll come over and the TV will be unplugged. Then what'll you do?' Of course, he'd go straight to the computer but I can only threaten one electronic device at a time. I don't want to *kill* him with deprivation. I was half-kidding when I said it. Then, this morning I figured, 'Hell... I'll do it. In fact, I will not only unplug the TV, I'll unhook it from the cable line and stash it somewhere in my room.' So I did - it's a tiny TV/VCR combo so it wasn't heavy or anything. Merely unplugging the TV wasn't going to get the job done anyway.
I came back from work today and asked what he did since the TV was gone. Apparently, he resorted to watching the other TV we have. Normally, my grandparents watch this TV (not English channels, but Chinese channels via a satellite). They watch it ALL DAY LONG. So, my cousin essentially took over. Nice, huh? :0\ I noticed he had been on the computer as well because not only was the keyboard at a different position than it normally is, but the monitor was still on (and I had definitely turned it off the night before). That little bastard! I knew it. Anyway, I was pretty satisfied with myself despite the mixed results. After all, he did read his book today.
Fortunately, I don't have to see him for a few days. He and his mom are going out of town at the end of the week. They're going to L.A. He's such a spoiled brat. At the risk of sounding older than I really am, I've got to say that kids these days are spoiled rotten by their parents. Technology certainly plays its part. After all, parents would rather have their kids sitting in front of the TV than running around anywhere. When did we go from it being okay to play outside with friends to just stay inside and watch TV? I can't pinpoint when, but I know I'm a product of it.
I came back from work today and asked what he did since the TV was gone. Apparently, he resorted to watching the other TV we have. Normally, my grandparents watch this TV (not English channels, but Chinese channels via a satellite). They watch it ALL DAY LONG. So, my cousin essentially took over. Nice, huh? :0\ I noticed he had been on the computer as well because not only was the keyboard at a different position than it normally is, but the monitor was still on (and I had definitely turned it off the night before). That little bastard! I knew it. Anyway, I was pretty satisfied with myself despite the mixed results. After all, he did read his book today.
Fortunately, I don't have to see him for a few days. He and his mom are going out of town at the end of the week. They're going to L.A. He's such a spoiled brat. At the risk of sounding older than I really am, I've got to say that kids these days are spoiled rotten by their parents. Technology certainly plays its part. After all, parents would rather have their kids sitting in front of the TV than running around anywhere. When did we go from it being okay to play outside with friends to just stay inside and watch TV? I can't pinpoint when, but I know I'm a product of it.