That is the question. I know a lot of homeschool families do not even own tv's, but there are quite a few of us who do. Our family is very conservative about the amount of tv we allow our kids to watch, but I am starting to question even that. There just isn't much quality programming on anymore. Not sure if there truly ever was. There are several shows that we record for educational purposes, but honestly that stuff could be easily rented or suitably substituted with a rental from a company like ACT Advantage. Not to mention that having tv is costly anymore since the demise of the bunny-ears. We have satellite, which is comparable to cable in our area.

And, I don't know what happens in your house, but in ours the children do not behave well after watching even a small amount of tv. I have read all about the why's but most "experts" (even the AAP) agrees that a moderate amount is ok. I'm not so sure anymore. Even if the kids just watch a half-hour or an hour, that time is preceded by tedious negotiations and followed by pleas for more. And, if we are doing school work afterward, it's like turning a speeding bus around to get them on task after that.

I don't feel the need to eradicate all tv time from our house. We have had some wonderful family time (and hubby time) watching good movies together. But, I think if you go to the trouble to go to the movie rental store and select something to watch together, plan on it and then do it, it's much more intentional than passive, and therefore somehow, better. That tv time is not the mindless escape that happens when you can flip on the tube and watch whatever is on. OK, truthfully our kids are pretty restricted about what they watch, but you get the idea.

I am just curious how other homeschool families deal (or don't) with the dreaded box. I believe the days of satellite and tivo in our home are numbered.