Soft Addictions

This is probably a strange place to post this but I needed it said. And maybe this is part of the reason we're making the decisions to move into an RV.

When my parents came to visit, my mom taught Austin how to play some games on her laptop. It was very cute at the time to see him so intense about the game and to see him learning and developing new skills. However, since then, all Austin wants to do is either watch movies or play games on the computer.

I was in the book store last week with Dallas on our date night and saw a book titled "The Soft Addiction Solution." Here is a blurb:
Soft Addictions are those seemingly harmless habits like over-shopping, overeating, watching too much TV, endlessly surfing the internet, procrastinating—that actually keep us from the life we want. They cost us money, rob us of time, numb us from our feelings, mute our consciousness, and drain our energy. And we all have them.
— Judith Wright, author of The Soft Addiction Solution

Since then, I keep thinking about it. I didn't even read the book, but the idea of it really got to me. It hit me yet again today. Since I've been sick and Dallas was gone most of the week (excuses, excuses), Austin spent A LOT of time on the computer. I found a web browser that will only allow him access to games that are age appropriate and that he can maneuver. It's really pretty cool. He's been working on his letters and counting. A number of great things.

But he's addicted. He doesn't want to do anything but be on the computer. He isn't interested in eating, in playing with toys, going to the park. Nothing, except playing on the computer.

I know where he gets this. He's following my example (and I'm following my parents - Sorry Mom and Dad). I spend WAY too much time on the computer - but it's research!! I over-shop rather than do something productive with a friend. I over-eat. (Let's not think too much on this one, right?) I watch movies rather than talk to my husband. I read novels rather than interact with my children. I've used books to escape from reality as much as the computer. Only it's more socially acceptable. But why? Fictitious books are the same as watching a movie. The only difference is that you have to imagine the pictures. Even a lot of non-fiction isn't benefiting anyone.

So what is really the problem with these? We are escaping reality. What is so wrong with reality after all? It's stressful, it boring and it wears us out. Would we be so stressed out, and bored, and worn out if we spent the energy that we use escaping to enjoy?

Honestly I've already made some progress in some of this. Or at least recognized the need to. We don't have cable or any TV except what movies we get and Netflix. We had previously put a timer on the computer so I wouldn't spend all day on it rather than spending time with my kids. And I've (tried) to stop getting novels from the library. But I still have so many areas I need to work on. I don't know. I just know this is something I need to work on.

Maybe I should get off the computer and enjoy my family..