There are many joys when it comes to parenthood, and I consider myself very fortunate to have a beautiful son. Jensen recently turned ten, and I think of him as my best friend. He is at a great age, and I enjoy the experiences we share. Jensen makes me so proud every single day in a variety of ways. Getting good grades or being named the Student of the Month sure is grand. I also love watching him succeed on the hardwood and the mound.

Some of my fondest memories with Jensen involve the outdoors. I cherish these opportunities with him in the surrounding woods. Whether it’s on a hike or in a canoe — there is no greater feeling than just being able to commune. But as he gets older, our afternoon excursions are becoming rare. I am hoping that this is just a phase. Dads all over the grid have been replaced — #Fortnite.

Jensen. How about a trip to World’s End? MAYBE. I AM WAITING ON THIS DOWNLOAD. CAMRON, MASON, WYATT, AND I ARE IN CREATIVE MODE. DAD. CAN I BUY THIS NEW SKIN?

So one of my New Year’s resolutions is to replace technology with Mother Nature. The jury is still out, but our children desperately need more time in the woods. Online gaming, school, homework, sports, and other extracurricular activities fill the week and many of our weekends. Everyone feels there is no time for anything else. But we must. This younger generation is so consumed with Play Station, Xbox, iPads, and iPhones. It’s very sad. They need more outdoor adventures in their lives to help them develop.

Finding ways to get them away from technology can be a challenge. This Fortnite game has taken the world by storm and is starting to cause some concern. Kids are no longer interacting with their parents outside, and they would rather converse on their headsets instead. Jensen and his friends are possessed. I fear this trend and obsession will only continue. I won’t tell you how much money I have personally spent, as I am constantly buying skins, pickaxes, and stupid little dances for Jensen’s avatar to perform. I have also lost track of the precious time my son has logged.

Hey J. Want to go fishing with Dad? MAYBE AFTER THIS FORTNITE BATTLE ROYAL. CARTER AND I ARE IN SECOND PLACE. DID YOU SEE THIS NEW BATTLE PACK I GOT?

Jensen is rather sensitive, and I feel he puts a lot on his plate. He tries to do well and does not like to fail. Technology and Fortnite only add to the headache. I find him constantly interacting with his friends online. Whether it’s on his headset, Facetime, or a group text — I do not like it one bit. He normally plays nice, but then it can get out of hand. Less technology and Fortnite. We need more woods.

When we are outside on a hike — Jensen shines. The same goes if he is fishing with me from a canoe. I am hoping to get him outdoors for some balance and perspective quite soon. We are blessed with several local spots just minutes away. He prefers Jacoby Falls or Ryder Park. We have been all over North Central PA, and we are planning a trip out west this summer. I am doing my best to restrict his hours online. I am sure that I will keep you posted on how this goes. Cheers.