Jason has had a fascination with numbers for a long time especially 100 years. We used to have a clock that chimed every hour but broke when Jason was two. Before it broke, we would count each chime, and he got his first understanding of counting. I don’t miss the chimes waking me, but I miss counting with Jason. Laura learned counting with that clock as well.
I have been strict about restricting TV and iPad time for everyone the last few weeks. I have enjoyed the changes in the kids and more family time. I like watching them play, be creative and be bored without instant gratification of entertainment. Today I even decided to give up Facebook (unless for work related questions) for Lent. My daughter inspired me because she gave up YouTube Kids for Lent, and she’s sticking to her commitment. As a family, we’ve been interacting more and listening more.
For the last couple months, Jason has a fascination with the number 100. He has often said he wants to live to 100 years old. I might have missed this interaction tonight if we didn’t give up technology time. Jason stared at the clock as I told him when snack time is and when bedtime came.. The clock helps from endless questions about what is coming up because I tell him, for example, “You can have your last snack when the big hand is on the 3,” and he’s satisfied.
Jason looked at me tonight and said, “ When I was a baby, I was zero, then one, two, three, four and now five. I wonder what 100 looks like because I want to be 100!” I went on to my normal talk that we should enjoy every age we are and not make it go faster. Then, very seriously, Jason said, “I think I’ll be fat when I’m one hundred!” We both began laughing!
He then wrote the number 100 on a piece of paper proudly. I pray that he does make it to 100 and spends his days filled with kindness, happiness and his beautiful sense of humor!
