I am always amazed how God uses my children to convict or confirm something that He has already told me.  It happened again today. 

Last weekend I was browsing through one of my favorite books - The Read Aloud Handbook - and I read the section about the effects of television on children and their reading.  For about a month the Holy Spirit had been whispering to me that I had let the tv viewing get out of control (again!).  After reading the section I knew that I really need to reign in the kids time with the tube, and mine as well, and my husband could use some trimming down as well (but that's another matter!).  So I started contemplating the how's and when's and what would be the replacement.  Then the very next week 2 of my favorite Christian radio programs aired programs about going on a TV fast for the month of August.  I knew the Holy Spirit was really talking to me then!  So I kind of decided that while we weren't ready (ok, I'm not ready!) for a full fast, we could definitely establish some set times for no TV.   I mentioned it to my oldest son, who is eight (and a half).   I explained it wasn't as a punishment, but I felt God was telling me that we needed to turn off the tv, and I asked him to pray about it. His reaction was compliant but not enthusiastic.  So I continued to pray that God would give us all strength! 

Today, my son said two things that has confirmed that we're going to do a "partial" tv fast.  First he pointed out to me that he had been spending more time drawing and reading and looking for other things to do besides watch tv.  Then as he finished some extra chores around the house to earn money, his comment was ..."you know, it feels good to do some work.  And since we're going on a TV fast, I'll have more time to work and help around the house." 

So, that's it!  Starting August 1 we are going to significantly reduce our TV time.  Right now I'm thinking no tv until after dinner.  Later I'll confess how much tv I've been letting my kids watch (maybe), and how things are going!