Feeling disconnected from the kids

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Hello

I just feel that all my children do is either play on their iPads or moan for them. I do limit and have sanctions etc. I try to take them out to clubs but they are 8,10 and 12 and don’t have the same interests. When one goes to a club they feel almost like they’re being punished by going to karate or swimming or whatever.
I’ve been at home and free, offered to bake or do crafts, offered to have their friends over, take them trampolining but they haven’t taken me up on any offers. All refused and all sulked - eventually just thought sod it and given them their iPads and managed to do a few jobs. I feel like the only conversation I’ve had is to get them off the iPads to eat or to get ready for bed. It’s been utterly miserable and probably going to be the same tomorrow. I just dread weekends. about 18 months ago we could always get up and go out and about, be enthusiastic about holidays and now it’s so different :(

I think this is the way that society is evolving in general, and it’s not just the kids!

Really is such a shame, but I strongly believe that the whole village are needed to fix this one. The trouble is, that a lot of the village have been set up to be running on empty and in constant panic about how to keep a roof over their heads. The pandemic also had a huge impact on how people connect.

Definitely keep trying to find ways to connect, particularly during downtimes even if just for 10mins. Mine seem to respond to lifeskill type activities such as setting up projects to reorganise/ make better space of a room, budgeting/spreadsheets for groceries, planning next holiday, learning a language together. Had a really interesting conversation about pensions with my 13 year old recently, following on from an advert on a bus stop!

It may not always work or be appreciated right now, but hopefully they will grow to appreciate your efforts once they are older x