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Sunday 23 March 2008

Open minded...

For weeks now, my darling boy has been pleading with me to allow him to have an "Intendo DS" computer game - the perfect lamb.

"But diddums," I explained, "I have read that computer games inhibit creative play at a time when you should be learning to negotiate and share under the supervision of a grown up. They encourage fright and flight responses, violent reactions and are responsible for children behaving like hooligans. There is nothing more beneficial for a child than spending time with a grown up. Now go and find yourself a book and get the au pair to read it to you like a good boy..."

I would hate for anyone to consider that James and I neglect our parental duty like some kind of heavy drinking trailer trash. However, as a parent, one must always strive to be open minded and move with the times... (sigh).

Late last week, with the school holidays looming in front of me like an enormous abyss, I noticed this feature on the morning news! Apparently just twenty minutes each day playing with Brain Training on the Nintendo DS can substantially enhance a child's numeracy and literacy skills from the age of three onwards! How much time have we already wasted lost?

I scooted to Brixton on my way home from work (OHMYGOD! The risks that I take with my life for my munchkins) and purchased a petal pink machine for my baby girl, and a black manly machine for my burly boy. I would hate to inhibit my darlings' growth and development.

Lets hope it keeps the poppets happily occupied until the damn schools open up again.

Now, can I pop some ice in that drink for you?

9 comments:

zoe said...

That's what I call perfect parenting, although I'm surprised that you didn't give your munchkins a simple Gameboy to start off with at around the age of 3 (weeks). They are ever so good for stimulating growth and agility in their thumbs.

dulwichmum said...

Darling Super Zoe,

Indeed no, I did not give them a Gameboy at 3 weeks! They had a remote controlled mobile (it can be so damn tiresome to wind them up!), Majors for Minors classical CD's, fish oils for neonates and a full time nanny and maternity nurse - OHMYGOD! Aren't poppets exhaustingly hard work? (sigh)

Frog in the Field said...

Dearest DM,
how sensible of you, but Brixton, gosh, how brave!
We are simply letting ours gorge themselves silly on Easter eggs and then taking to their beds with tummy ache, gosh it's quiet.
By the way, where did you find that picture of me and mine? I think my legs look quite exquisite while sat in a camping chair....

dulwichmum said...

Perfect Frog!

What a stunning and completely clever idea. I have now read on the internet that over indulgence in sugary treats causes exhaustion and inertia! I shall encourage the poppets to finish their chocolate at one sitting!

Expat mum said...

I always say if you ignore them for long enough they give up and entertain themselves! Takes a while when you're first breaking them in, but it's worth it.

aims said...

Sigh - all I got was a paper route and the dustmup to push around when I was young...

@themill said...

So 'Spot the difference' in the Beano doesn't do it then?
I'm creeping around for a quick read of my favourites, the weather in the frozen north being so damned inclement and all.
BTW, when is the book published?

dulwichmum said...

Perfect Expatmum,

I will try to follow your advice.

Sweet Aims,

Now there is a though, I wonder if I could get them jobs sending them up chimneys?

Darling @themill,

Thank God you are here! I broke my contract with the publisher. I am terribly busy, OHMYGOD! There are all sorts of plans afoot! I should have said before...

Sparx said...

Ah DM, I know you may not be reading back this far (although since the 'Soph' episode, perhaps you are) but I mean really, all the way to Brixton. Next time you come this way do tell me and I shall have a pot of Salima white tea on the hob to boost those anti-oxidant levels before you go braving the hoardes.