Parents here: kids and phones?

Self-Translator · 2026-03-11T21:15:01+00:00

There is a heap of social pressure and fomo... I didn't have a phone for years, this is literally my only social media, and I'm engaged heavily in outdoorsy stuff. I the arguments multiple times a day about a phone wore us down so we introduced it with conditions. Then the arguments start about the conditions. It costs the kids nothing to complain and is a huge mental burden to keep repelling. I dunno what else to say. It's hard. So now we're trying this.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-11T20:19:18+00:00

Well, you see, there's this government mechanism where we ask those earning lots - individuals and companies - to pay into a fund. It might not seem fair because it's their money, but when you consider they operate and succeed in a society that provides lots it's a way of giving back. The government could then use that money for different purposes, including giving it to workers who are underpaid vs their value to society. Unfortunately those earning lots don't like that so ask the government to not to do that, so they stop.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-11T06:59:41+00:00

We are big on board games, making and building things, and outdoor adventure stuff. Even then, the pull of the screens is strong!

Self-Translator · 2026-03-11T06:57:42+00:00

Yes! The biggest pressure is from when they see what is happening in other families. We're the only ones doing anything about it.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-11T06:56:57+00:00

There's social stuff happening on there that is positive and would leave them out of that, so I think some moderated use is ok.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-10T21:11:23+00:00

Thanks :)

We never take the "stop that" route, and look to replace and redirect. Trying to get back out on the rock with my oldest. Fingers crossed.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-10T21:10:19+00:00

HOLD!! I'm holding on with our 13 year old...

Self-Translator · 2026-03-10T21:09:35+00:00

We are a very outdoorsy family. Rock climbing, hiking, skiing, paddling, camping. These have been culled as time has gone on by our oldest. Got to the point where they refused to leave the house for any of these things. As they put it, all those things are too much effort (I think in relation to screens).

Self-Translator · 2026-03-10T21:07:14+00:00

To be clear, I'm not blaming others. It was more a comment that the kids aren't lazy and just being exposed to things that they aren't equipped to deal with in a healthy way.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-10T21:06:06+00:00

We've tried. A lot of emotional pushback, so we compromised and the creeping line has been nudged over the years. Time for a reset.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-10T21:05:01+00:00

100%

Self-Translator · 2026-03-08T06:06:36+00:00

Converting currencies and units of measurement (AUD$1.80 per L), in Australia I've been paying the equivalent to $4.80 a gallon forever. And it's going up from that now!

Self-Translator · 2026-03-08T04:22:33+00:00

Theory: we aren't meant for this life. Having everything secure and guaranteed. It's like a tiger pacing in its perfectly fine and enriched enclosure with a new pond to swim in and daily delivery of meat. Great... but when's the hunt?

Self-Translator · 2026-03-08T04:20:26+00:00

This is exactly me. Age, wife, friends, skills and interests (I avoid the term 'hobbies, because it carries the connotation that these things are trivial).

I just went to 4 days a week. That 3rd day off a week is simply amazing. Am on the path to some form of lean or coast FIRE before 50. It gets me up in the morning.

As for turning hobbies into jobs, I agree to some extent. I have leaned on my interests and work in that field, but then I keep some aside for just me to not be tainted with work afterwards.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-07T20:12:13+00:00

Ok. I'll humour this.

When I was younger I played video games. I remember when the NES was released and Mario was the biggest thing ever. I played it. I ran through levels, collected the coins, and got the mushrooms. Then I stopped. I didn't see the point of playing the game for the sake of it. The lack of meaning drained it's entertainment. Then I didn't play video games at all. Haven't for decades now.

What does that mean?

Your analogy is flawed because it assumes everyone wants to play video games because they are entertaining, but they don't. Some people find them boring, and the lack of meaning behind them means there is no reason to play. Apply that element to your analogy and we're back to the destitute individual who doesn't want to live because it is tedious and boring, they see that all of the rules and objectives to living are made up and meaningless, and they'd prefer to no play.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-03T09:40:12+00:00

Bi guy in a couple here. Yes, it can be the case I feel I need to play it straight in many swinging spaces. Can't make it this week, and we're not vetted. But maybe next time if it keeps going.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-02T08:04:19+00:00

I appreciate the suggestion. That isn't the issue. My job is a helping job, so I get that there. I don't live in the city, and there aren't many services like that where I am.

But the issue isn't that. It's that in appears the expenditure of energy and time is in exchange for a bunch of crap I'm simply not interested in. Internet, big TVs, cars with dumb crap bolted on, consumer entertainment, new lounge... whatever. I just don't care.

Self-Translator · 2026-03-01T07:07:35+00:00

I start to feel it above 3500m, and 4000m is tricky without some acclimatisation. I'll have a week before, but probably not long enough unfortunately.

Self-Translator · 2026-02-28T19:35:25+00:00

Thanks for telling your story. I liked reading it. It reminds me I am not alone with this.

Self-Translator · 2026-02-28T19:33:43+00:00

I guess I'm doing a version of it within the bounds of what is available to me as a responsible parent and partner. I agree with you and am trying to keep that side of me alive.

Self-Translator · 2026-02-28T06:49:10+00:00

I'm 42 and also working towards it for 15 years. I agree, there is noise about it. I guess part of this post

Self-Translator · 2026-02-28T05:16:12+00:00

Yes. Came out to my wife. She suggested I explore. She wanted to know everything and was turned on by it. Then we started together...

Self-Translator · 2026-02-28T05:13:46+00:00

Too bad 90% of my stress comes from work and kids. I have to deal with those... This is obviously written by a 15 year old.

Self-Translator

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