Grumpy Old Man

After a week away from Computer Land we return to screens, playstations and mobile phones. Screens, screens and yet more screens. I always view our February break in the Yorkshire Dales as an opportunity to escape from technology. The mobile signals are still weak and intermittent and unless we take it, the children have no access to a playstation. So what do they do the poor neglected creatures? Are they bored and restless with withdrawal symptoms.

Well, yes they are to some extend. We usually meet up with old friends from Yorkshire and often have people to stay over i the cottage we rent. This year as soon as everyone had left Jack and Ben appeared bereft of ideas and imagination. No electronic gadgets to occupy the waking hours. It took them a while to return to being just children.

We climbed hills ( scene from near the top of Ingleborough in photo), ate in the pub, played card and board games, whittled spears and bows, knitted scarves and played badminton in the street. They had a lovely time!

Is the latest report on the poor state of our children true? I suspect there is a lot of truth in it and I place the blame firmly on electronic gadgets ....... and peer pressure of course!