The Bomb

The day before summer break started, I dropped the bomb. The children already knew about our plans to head west on an epic camping adventure. Their response had been to announce ecstatically, "You are the most awesome mom EVERRRRR!!!" At this moment, however, all four of my kids were happily sitting around the dinner table, blissfully unaware of the horror about to unfold. I regarded my oldest child, a 10 year old boy. "Honey, I have to tell you something." I instantly had his attention. "I've made a decision. And I want you to know that you aren't in trouble, this isn't punishment, and I'm not mad. But I'm selling your 3DS." His eyes were suddenly bloodshot; his countenance fell. "But it's my fav-" he couldn't continue because his voice cracked and faltered. He struggled to maintain composure while his lip quivered, defying his brave efforts. I knew it was his favorite possession. I explained that gaming is like candy. It's fun and enjoyable...but there isn't anything else redeeming about it. And too much can make you sick. I had watched  as he became sullen and irritable, and his personality would fold in on itself when he gamed. He also never seemed to get enough. And when you can't control your cravings and the substance isn't healthy, it's time to cut it off. This is the summer the gaming stops.