If it meant taking their iPads away for a month, then so be it.

It was a hectic workday, and I had just returned home. After taking a bath and having dinner, I was ready to tackle my assignments, which I had been putting off for a while. However, I also needed to focus on my usual learning and teaching with my kids, which was becoming increasingly overwhelming. I understand the importance of education, especially at my kids’ early stage, and I strive to instill a culture of learning and studying in them. They must stay up to date with their studies and school assignments.

As I tried to relax on the couch with the TV on, my peace was soon interrupted by Boo-boo being chased by Omalicha. They ran out of their room, screaming and laughing, clutching their iPads. 

“Can you girls reduce the noise?” I cautioned.

“Okay, Daddy,” Omalicha replied. 

“Why are you screaming?” I asked again.

“Boo-boo… Mommy wants to take our iPads away,” they both gasped, panting as they jumped on me, seeking a shield and protection like people trying to escape an angry lion. 

Just then, I heard my wife’s footsteps approaching. 

“Babe, can you please tell them to switch off their iPads? They’ve been on them since they got back from school,” she said. 

“Okay,” I replied. 

“Can you believe Chimara hasn’t submitted or had her school work marked for the past two weeks? She even skipped some homework!” my wife continued, clearly frustrated. 

“Seriously?” I responded in shock. “How was that possible?” 

“Babe, last week I thought it was just a mistake. You know they are given assignments every week to submit the following week. When I realized her last week’s work wasn’t marked, I got worried.”

“Chimara, is that true?” I asked, who was starting to shiver at my reaction. 

“Stand up,” I instructed, and she stood in front of me. “Why was your assignment not marked? And why did you skip one of your assignments?”

“Chimara… Daddy, I—I…” she stuttered. 

“Did you not submit your assignments to your teachers?” I cut in.

“Daddy, I did, but…” 

“But what?” I pressed. 

“Why would your homework not be marked if it was submitted? Your mother said you didn’t submit your homework according to your teacher when the class was asked to turn it in.” At this point, she began to mumble, unsure of what to say. 

“Okay, I see,” I said. “I realize that you’re starting to get distracted. You’ve spent too much time on your iPad, just like your mother said. Since you girls got back from school, you’ve been on those devices, and that needs to stop.”

“Okay, Daddy,” she replied. 

“Hand it over to me.” She gave me her iPad. 

“Akuoma, give me yours too.” 

Boo-boo, “Mmm, okay,” and reluctantly placed it on the table. 

“Now listen, both of you. This will be the last time I receive complaints from your teacher or your mommy about you not doing your homework or not submitting your assignments. Whenever you’re back from school, make sure you complete everything your mommy asks before picking up your iPads. I have realized that both of you are losing focus, not just on your studies, but on other things as well. Therefore, I will be taking your iPads away for a week, after which you will get them back.”

“But Daddy, I promise I will always do my assignments and be a good girl!” both pleaded, but it was already late, and I was determined to help them regain focus. If it meant taking their iPads away for a month, then so be it.