Virtual Reality Structure

Boys are in the office leaned back in their respective chairs, thinking.

Keyboards are quiet. I can smell wood burning.

Then I hear my oldest son say, "What can we then do on Saturday? I'm not sure what to plan."

This is not normal talk in my house. I can count on one had the times these guys have been bored. Their biggest problem is fitting into a meager 24 hours all they they have cooked up to do. I know, I am a major pain when I insist on chores, errands or readings I want them to do. The tolerate me patiently then get back to their projects.

So, upon hearing this lack of direction, my ears picked up.

I poked my head in. "Do you need something to do?" I asked cheerfully "You know I can think up something for you." I meant it in the best of terms, really thinking of fun stuff to do. I have all sorts of ideas. They took it as mother-satire, as if I was going to suggest they paint the house, rotate the tires or cure cancer.

"No, Mom, we are fine." The looked at each other with knowing smiles. "This is about Animal Crossing."

I love Animal Crossing. It is a really fun VG where you live in a world as a cute little character (nary a gun in sight) and build your house, pay your mortgage (in 'bells' no less) buy furniture, decorate your home, earn more money, go to local events, etc. And it is all on real time. Lots of fun.

They were trying to work out a schedule for their virtual alter egos. They were working on a schedule. I heard thoughts and concepts from the structure we naturally carry in our home being outlined and put into place in the Animal Crossing world.

It was fun to hear these concecpts laid out so nicely by the boys for their virtual world. I wondered the influence of all the color coded charts I created then changed over they years. Now we have no charts. Just the calendar, casual pegs and conversation.

Reminds me of a mom of a Jr. High kid once saying how she hoped he would learn organizational skills year in school in the upcoming year. How to arrange his time, keep up with his books, schedule his homework. Hate to say this, but VG (and the rest of real life) have done a lot of that here. Even without VG, the natural structure, needs, requirements of our days teaches the boys naturally how to arrange work and play.

Will have to find out what they planned for Saturday. That was their proposed day off, and they were looking for a fun thing for their characters to do. I think it was going to be fishing.