Sly Cooper and My Son

Last Sunday, John and I decided to give the kids individual dates - actually, it was his idea, but as he was taking them one at a time "out on the town" I figured I ought to do something fun with the one left behind too. So, as Mikayla went first - I stayed home with Brayden and asked him what he wanted to do. "Mom, I want to watch you play Sly Cooper".....

"Sly Cooper and the Band of Thieves" is an E-rated video game made for Playstation 2. It was the fourth game I became addicted to, beginning with "Scooby Doo" in 2003, "Scooby Doo 2" in 2004 and then, once we owned a PS2, "Ty the Tasmanian Tiger". Kind of odd for a stay-at-home mom to become obsessed over video games, but it happened - and along with it, I discovered two important truths. Good, fun video games are an escape to me - they are my therapy when I'm overwhelmed and I have a lot of FUN conquering. The second truth is that this addiction has made me somewhat of a hero in my son and his friend's eyes. While playing "Sly Cooper" together he told me that "I was the best player ever, except of course for God and Jesus!". He loves encouraging me, high-fiving me, and waking up to find that I've finally reached the next level...(after staying up until 2 am....). We haven't played PS2 all summer and I'm thankful for it. The summer is too beautiful to waste away in front of the tv, and I definitely wouldn't start a debate that video games are that great a use of time for a little boy.

However, lately, Brayden's been a bit moody and our relationship has become a bit strained in my attempts to correct his attitude, greed, obnoxiousness or any number of other traits common to a 6 year old. So, on a day that wasn't designated for the pool, I pulled out the previously conquered "Sly Cooper" - and began playing again with him. And our relationship began to heal. We were having fun again, mommy and son - co-partners to avenge the evil bullfrog threatening to do away with Sly. And, I remembered again, that this is what it feels like to melt when I'm around my son - and want to do just anything for him because my heart is so overflowing with love for him. I wonder what "Parenting" magazine would say about that.....