We are finding out that our boys are getting bombarded with data. You’ll see what I mean here in a minute. It all started when our oldest guy was beginning to have a few issues in class. Nothing major mind you, just a lack of focus when he needs to. After looking at the homework and schoolwork that he’s doing now it was evident that the work wasn’t the issue. The work isn’t that hard, certainly well within his abilities. So what is it? Well after talking with the teacher and just watching what they do it occurred to us that he’s bored. But why would he be bored?
Well, if you have children try this little exercise. Take a look at all of their toys, video games, TV shows, etc. that they play with and watch. Look at the shear amount of data that is bombarding them. We found a prime example when we compared his favorite handheld video game on his PSP. When I was a kid I had a game called Blockbuster from MicroVision and it was one of my most favorite games. Compare that to the PSP’s NASCAR , which is the boys favorite, and it’s like comparing an abacus to a calculator. The blockbuster game had sound, it was BONG–BONG–BONG. PSP’s NASCAR has sound too. It has a crewchief tell you how to drive the car, what place you’re in, who’s trying to pass you, how much fuel you have, how many laps are left, etc. etc. The audio alone is a tremendous amount of data to take in. Then look at the screen! Look at the amazing detail in the game! Oh, it’s a great game and its a blast to play but man look at all the data that’s being thrown at them. Now compare the old Bugs Bunny, Whyle E. Coyote cartoons to the cartoons that they watch now! Wow, what a huge difference. Now, if your kid has a computer that just kicks open a whole new door to HUGE AMOUNTS OF DATA!! No wonder a sheet of simple addition and subtraction problems isn’t getting much interest…
So what was our solution? Turn it all off and make them go outside. This week has be NO TV, NO computer, NO PSP, but they’ve been able to spend as much time outside playing whatever they want. They’ve been gravitating to a big ol’ dirt pile that I’ve dug up lately. Once they get done with that they tend to pick up the baseball bat and toss balls to each other to hit.
The result? Well our oldest who’s been having the issues in class took a practice ERB test this week and pegged the meter with it. Out of the whole booklet he missed 2 questions. No I’m not saying he’s a genius, he’s got too much of his dad in him, 
but he is a very very bright little guy. Who knows maybe he is a genius. Maybe now that we have stumbled on to the obvious (I just cant help but remember my grandaddy telling me to “get out side, that TV is gonna rot your brain…”) things will be easier and more enjoyable for the guys. Time will tell.
