In trying to get my older 2 kids out of their summer sleep-in mode and into the early rising required for school, 2 weeks ago I implemented a new routine. Everyday, they were required to have themselves up and ready to go by 9AM. If they weren’t up, dressed, and awake (in other words, not a walking zombie), by 9AM, then they would not be allowed to watch any tv that day, nor do any computer or video games.
It worked beautifully.
But a week and a half ago I put the wii away, only to come out on occasion for family game time. PSP’s are being saved for long car trips. Computer time has been drastically reduced. Three days ago, I took away the tv. Right now it is after 11AM and “Leader of the Fab-Five” is still sleeping.
I just realized I took away all his incentive for waking up by 9AM.
“Well, if I can’t do any of those things anyways, I might as well sleep in.” Smart boy.
Still, I think it’s a small price to pay for all the benefits we’re getting from going tv free.
