Nice Things & Kids

My husband and I are big tech junkies.  Basically we love our big TV’s, laptops, and video game systems.  We actually itch to buy all new techie things, even if we don’t need it.  When it comes to these tech items, and most other things in my home, I’m meticulous about their care.  I feel the need to keep things in like new condition.  Always clean no scratches. 

Now I have a child.  I feel my heart break a little as my toddler runs wild through my house.  She likes to pound on my laptop with her slimy toddler hands, she’s scratched up my new printer.  Oh and I definitely saw her eyeing the television for more than watching.  She’s like this adorable little electronics monster.

I think it’s funny because everyone always told me you can’t have nice things when you have kids, so I shouldn’t be surprised.  But I thought I could teach my child the importance of taking care of your things.  Now that I have a child, I realize that this is impossible with a toddler.  She’s just learning the concept of don’t touch that and be gentle.  I think that don’t scratch that because its expensive might be a little over her head.

Of course we’re still trying.  I’m teaching her to not jump on the furniture, not beat the laptop and my printer is not her drum set.  Of course she still does these things as soon as she thinks I’m not looking, or especially when she wants attention because I’m working.  But we’re trying and she’ll understand some day.

So, I guess now I understand the not having nice things.  It will be a long time until I’m able to keep things in the condition that I believe that I feel they should be. 

Of course, I am a little OCD about this stuff, so I’ll try not to cringe next time she smears snot on the Xbox.