Nintendo DS- Bane of My Parental Existence

The one question is get asked more than any other is “Can I play my DS?” Both the boy and the lass take part in this several-times-a-day ritual.

During the school year, life was much easier regarding DS time. It was only for the weekends. That was it. Every now and again, as a treat during a snow day or some other day-off-from-school they’d be allowed to play their DS for awhile. Even that came with a penalty, since once that seal was broken they would immediately hound us the nest time a day off presented itself.

“You let us play the DS last time we had a day off, so why not this time?”

Because your presumptuousness annoys me, that’s why.

This Summer, the Wife and I have deliberately backed off of our DS regulations. We figured giving them time to do things their way was a good chance for them to decompress from the restrictions of the school year. We didn’t realize how fully they would leverage the opportunity. Dare I say, abuse the opportunity.

Everything is, of course, hunky-dory when I tell them “Yes.” The problems start when I decline to let them play.

“Why?”

What do you mean “Why?” You’ve been allowed to play it more in the last month than the entire school year combined. If it wasn’t for camp or swim lessons, it’s probably all you’d do.

“Is it because I didn’t empty the dishwasher when you asked?”

They’re searching for some kind of direct cause-and-effect. It’s annoying. It doesn’t seem to cross their minds that the only reason is a whim. That it’s been judged they’ve spent enough time in front of little screens and they should try something else like drawing, a board game, reading or something else entirely.

“But I’ve already read a comic book.”

Time for the heavy artillery: “Would you like me to take it away for the rest of the Summer?”

Pause.

“No.”

Well, then case closed.

Until the next time.