"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Well, the boys and I have officially gone one week on a TV free diet. I found that we were both depending upon that small box way too much during the day when daddy was at work. I didn't find out quite how much until we didn't have it... Granted, they maybe only watched one hour (sometimes more) a day, but it sure adds up. Instead of motivating their imagination to excel during a span of boredom, I would turn to a 'show' to get them through it. Honestly, it allowed me to ignore their true needs. So, fellow bloggers, I fired the babysitter.
We are finding new books at the thrift store to read together, more playdough creations, games, baking together, creating forts in every room imaginable, and working together to finish chores. I, however, would love to hear some new ideas! My boys are ages 2 & 4 and have very active imaginations and love fresh things to do!
I look forward to your comments and emails! Have a wonderful weekend and be encouraged in the love of Christ!
6 comments:
Good for you! We made the decision over 4 1/2 years ago to shut ours off (we can't get any reception without cable or DTV) and we LOVE not having it! I thought I would really miss it.
We had THREE TV's in the house...I now wonder when I ever had time to watch it! We do have a TV in the living room for videos but those aren't a regular part of our day either. My kids love playing outside and love sports. If there is a game on they want to see with their daddy, he will take them down to the firehouse (where he is a volunteer and no one is ever there!) and they will watch the game together.
Last spring my oldest was at the dentist with my husband and me and they had a TV in the waiting room with not-so-great things on. He leaned over to me and said "Mom, now I know why we don't have a TV." We went out and waited in the car for daddy. You will probably miss it less and less, but I do understand that it is nice when your kids are small. I think videos are much better. They have a definate end, so I can say to Ethan, "One video, then it is off." Plus there is control of what videos are even options. Enjoy those babies, soon they will be as tall as you are!
Tracy,
I so agree! We are video people too. My only frustration there is fast forwarding past all 20 minutes the 'previews' just to get to see 15 minutes of Blues Clues! :) Ha!
Thanks for your insight!
A,
My little guy isn't even 1 yet, but I just wanted to recommend the books by Trish Kuffner. I bought one for my sister last year and it's full of creative activities. There are different versions for each age, but I know there's a toddler one.
It's so great that you're being intentional about this!
It is easy to let that box become a babysitter sometimes. It is good to be aware of it and make changes when needed.
Thanks for visiting my blog! I enjoyed reading about your sweet family today.
Just popped by from Leslie's place. Our family just finished our TV-detox month of September. It was great! I plan to do this maybe 2x per year. We also have made Fridays TV-free and I try to have more structured time with the kids that day. Good job getting rid of the tube, at least a bit!
Good for you, Angel! It's harder and harder to find anything good on nowadays. And when you DO find something, the commercials are usually trash! So disappointing. =( Keep up the good work!
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