One thing that has been really hard as a parent right now (well, one of the MANY things) is balancing screen time.

There are SO many options for learning online, and they are great. They are fantastic. My kid loves them. Friends and family send us a gazillion ideas every day for things to watch on screens — and some are fantastic.

But also? My kid isn’t as great of a listener after spending large amounts of time in front of screens. He’s not as engaged. And I notice.

So many organizations have created a gazillion ways to keep our kids occupied during this time, but we also need to figure out ways to do this that are more hands on. Workbooks have been great for this (as have good old fashioned regular books). Cooking has been fun, as have crafts.

Because I have not had a lot of work in the last six weeks, I took on the brunt of being the teacher while Jamie worked, and then I fit in my business stuff “on the side.” But starting next week, I’ll be allowed back in my studio and back to working more. This is good for our income, but hard on our kid since school is now officially canceled until fall.

It’s something we’re struggling with, but I think we’ll figure out.

In the meantime, Ezra does get a few hours each day learning on the computer, and one of my favorite ways he’s doing this is with the Osmo. The games are on the screen, but he has to use toys and pieces and such to make it work — which means he’s still connected a bit to reality. I was a little hesitant to purchase this, as it’s a pricey, but he loves it, and I’m really glad I did. The puzzle games are fun for all of us to get involved in, and I, personally, adore the art games.

If you are thinking of getting one and want to chat more, please reach out. Also, I think I can round up a discount code for you.