Quiet Stags

"What game do you want to play tonight?" John asked.

"Ummm, UNO or Lego Heroica or Operation..." replied Lucas.

Around 8 pm at our little apartment, the TV is turned off, the computer monitors are dimmed, and all electronic games are paused. It marks the beginning of "Quiet time" in our household. I came up with the concept a while ago out of frustration with all the noise and stimulation from the TV and computers. It was not allowing Lucas to settle down and prepare for bed. But it was John who decided that we would definitely start the nightly routine of "Quiet Time."

Studies show that bright lights directly into our eyes from the TV, computer monitor, iPad, etc. can affect sleep patterns. These devices can "fool our brains into thinking its daylight" even if it's not, and our bodies respond accordingly (click here for news article). But who doesn't love to surf the net, check their facebook, or watch a documentary before bed? GUILTY!

So, even though the habit was hard to break for us adults, we thought we should give it a try to get Lucas to sleep earlier and get a good nights rest. The first night, we expected a protest from Lucas... "No! I don't want Quiet Time! It's boring! You cheaters (his favorite thing to say)"

The first night we tried it, Lucas was freshly showered and dressed in his pajamas. We decided to play Lego Heroica. It's a game board made of Lego pieces, Lego characters, and even a Lego dice. It was really fun! Lucas loved it. No complaints, no whining, and no crying. The next night, we played Operation. The following night, Lucas learned how to play UNO. He is starting to think strategically!

I have to admit that turning off the electronic devices was harder for John and me. I had to turn off the TV in the middle of my Rachel Maddow Show. John had to stop defending the republic in his Star Wars game. John and I joke (quietly to ourselves) that "Quiet Time" is "suffering time" for us.... No, not really. It's very good for us as well.

Sometimes it takes a 7 year old to change the bad habits of his parents.