I gave up on one of my New Year’s Resolutions. I always have great intentions. Perhaps next year I will find a gym. But until then, I am OK with not being trimmed. No worries, kids.
There are many joys when it comes to parenthood, and I consider myself very fortunate to have a son. Jensen recently turned fifteen, and we are still the best of friends. He is at a great age, and I enjoy the many experiences that we share.
Jensen makes me very proud in a variety of ways. Getting good grades and singing in the choir sure is grand. I also love watching him make a few plays on the court. Jensen is a chip off the old block.
Most of my fondest memories with Jensen involve the outdoors. I cherish these opportunities with him in our surrounding woods. Whether it’s on a hike, or fishing on a bank — there is no greater feeling than just being able to commune. But as he gets older, those afternoon excursions become rarer. I am only hoping this is just a phase, but we, as dads, have been replaced.
Jensen. How about a trip to World’s End? MAYBE. I AM WAITING ON THIS DOWNLOAD. FORTNITE CAME OUT WITH A NEW CREATIVE MODE. LOOK AT THIS LEGO STAR WARS GUY.
I do have another promise that I am trying to keep. I am on a personal crusade to replace technology. I will give you boys the winter months. But when it warms up, it will be different. Don’t worry about my bearded brethren. I already rewarded their kids with fishing poles. I didn’t know that Amish children didn’t believe in Santa. Well, they do now, and his name is Spencer Claus.
The jury is still out, but our children desperately need more time outdoors. Online gaming, school, homework, sports, and other extracurricular activities often 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 PlayStation, Xbox, iPads, and iPhones. It’s bad. They desperately need more outdoor adventures in their lives to help them develop. Finding ways to get them away from this technology can be a major challenge.
Fortnite has taken the world by storm and is starting to cause an alarming concern. Kids no longer interact with their fathers and would rather converse on their headsets. Jensen and his friends are all still 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 too. I have also lost track of the precious time my son has logged. I am not the only one.
Hey J. Want to go fishing with Dad? MAYBE AFTER THIS GAME. DARIAN AND I ARE IN SECOND PLACE. DID YOU SEE THIS NEW BATTLE PACK?
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 am not liking it one bit.
He normally plays nice, but then it can get out of hand: less technology and Fortnite kids. 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 so blessed with several local spots just minutes away. We have been all over North Central PA and are planning a west trip with Grandpa Jim soon. I am pulling the plug, and you should, too. Cheers.
