A Sibling Rivalry For The Digital Age - Who Chooses On #Netflix

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Cusden (@likeadad)

It’s funny how the outside world has a good sense of what is going on in your house. For the past few months our two boys (3 and 6) have really stepped into their sibling rivalry pants to the point that EVERYTHING is a battle for supremacy.

Who goes down the stairs first.
Who goes in the door first.
Who gets in the car first.
Who gets a certain cup or dish.
Who gets what cereal.

The list goes on. The outcome usually leaves one kid on the floor in some level of tantrum. WTF guys, why are you fighting over the most trivial things. Why not wait a few years and fight over girls, or sports awards or who can eat the most hot dogs. Jeesh.

So it was very timely for the Netflix gang to pose the question about how our kids get a long when it comes to what they watch and how they fight or come together for true enjoyment. Makes me wonder if there is a camera somewhere.

One key area where we have curbed the Game of Thrones type battles is when it comes to watching shows on the TV or iPad. We went back to an age-old method that my parents used on my sister and I. It worked then and it works now. It’s called taking turns.

Yes, back then, it was a little more manageable because everyone’s fave shows were on daily or weekly, not ALL THE TIME.

So my wife and I are now doing the same thing, but in the digital age. That means Netflix and who gets to watch “their” show.

Netflix even helps out by making it much more personal for each kid. You can have profiles that keeps track of the shows each kid likes and they even now have playlists for kids. Soon, you won’t have to think at all. Turn it on, sit back and enjoy a glass of wine, I mean, quality time with the kids.

We keep it simple with our boys and what they watch. Weekdays, they each pick one show. That’s 24 minutes each of Pokemon, or Paw Patrol or whatever marketing driven annoyance they can find on there.

Saturday and Sunday morning, when the parents went extra sleepy time, we let them pick one show each and then a third show that they must agree on. Yes, let’s develop their debating skills early.

Usually, it is our oldest saying how about blank and our youngest just saying no unless his fave show (that he just watched) is mentioned again.

Damn those youngest kids, they are tough.

Now, this works in our house because there are only two kids. Those of you with more, good luck.

I am just happy that Netflix seems to be the area with the least fighting between siblings. With some much great content to choose from it is not like 30 years ago when you had a choice between two things (and the commercial breaks).

This system has been good because we let the boys come up with it for the most part. Maybe that is why it has worked. They got to have some say in something that is so enjoyable for them. TV time.

Now if only this diplomatic process would work on other areas of our lives like who gets to go hold the balloon more or who gets to sit in Mommy’s chair when she is not home, that would be swell.

For the record, when mommy is not home, NOBODY should sit in her chair. Deal with it guys.

Here is more information on the playlists Netflix has put together. Our two were most interested in the A Tale of Two Distant Ages. We however did not watch Fuller House.

A Tale of Two Distant Ages Playlist

Fret no longer, this playlist caters to both your 5-year-old AND your 14-year-old.

ANTZ

FULLER HOUSE

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2

Sugar and Spice Playlist

If one kid’s sassy and the other one’s sweet, this playlist will be sure to please.

LEGO FRIENDS: THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP

DAWN OF THE CROODS

PROJECT MC2

“Meet in the Middle” Playlist

Deciding on a genre is hardest when it comes to watching together. From comedy to action, this playlist includes titles that have a little bit of everything for everyone.