Friday, January 29, 2010

The plan

I've spent a lot of time thinking about how I'm going to monitor Evan's computer usage. Right now, both computers are in my office. Kind of hard to monitor through a closed door. Not that he's been asking to use the computer this week...but there will be times when he DOES need a computer. I finally came up with a solution.

The desktop needs to stay in the office. Many reasons - it's hooked to the printer and my Cricut. Plus I need an office space where I can close the door. So, I will be getting a keyed lock for that door. Guess who will have the key?

The laptop. I have a corner of the living room that is unused. It's a little area by the stairs - completely unfunctional space. I'm going to get a little mission style desk that he can use for homework and put the laptop there. I can look over his shoulder at any time.

I know kids are curious, but there is TOO much he doesn't need to see yet!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

My heart is in a million pieces...

It finally happened last night. My heart is shattered. I know a billion other moms have been through this. But I finally have proof positive that I no longer have a baby. 11 years old and I no longer have a baby.

Last night E was in his room - it was way past bedtime and I wanted to make sure he was in bed. We had a lot to do this morning, and I didn't want him any grumpier than he had to be. So, I went in to check on him. I opened his door quietly because I honestly thought he might be asleep. Well, I caught him off guard. He had my laptop in his room and had the earphones on. When he saw me, his eyes bugged out and one hand immediately went to the power button while the other hand tried to close the screen down. I immediately went into 'interrogator mom' mode. "What are you looking at?" He was caught so off guard, he couldn't even lie. "Boobs - I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry!" and on and on it went. When he finaly calmed down I explained the best way I could. "E, it's only natural that you are curious, but there are viruses on those websites and I need this computer for work."

I mean, really, I don't want him to think he's a freak for being curious. But I don't want him surfing the net for it either because the net holds a lot more than boobs. Where did the good old days go when boys would innocently find their dad's porn stash, or their mom's Victoria's Secret catalog???