Jul. 27, 2008 - I'm Here!
Wow! Time sure flies when you're busy reading what everybody else has to say! I hadn't realized that it had been so long since I added anything myself. Sorry about that. I simply wasn't paying attention. This is a common problem I have.
Some have asked how the "No TV" situation is going. I could lie and say that the transition has been perfectly smooth, but I won't. We all miss it to some extent, but the positive changes are worth it. For one thing, the house is much quieter. I hadn't realized just how noisy a TV is, or how noisy everyone else has to be when it's on. Also, the children are reading, drawing, coloring, lego-ing (is that a word?), and generally playing together and more quietly when they are indoors. It's amazing how creative they can be when they have nothing to be creative for them.
They still watch the occasional video on the computer or portable DVD player. That's Dad's doing, so he gets to be the "Fun Parent." I know I'll never hold that title, so I don't even try to compete.
The greatest benefit to me personally is not hearing, "Can I turn on the TV?" a million times a day. It's just simply not an issue. This is good. My hope is that with the TV habit gone, we will be able to stay more focused for school. There won't be noise in the background because I've caved and let the younger ones veg out so I can work with an older sibling. Even my youngest guy (2.5 yo) is learning to sit and entertain himself for longer periods of time.
It has certainly been an adjustment, but at this point I don't regret it one bit. Many families do fine with strict viewing limits, or even just turning off the TV for a while. For me, it's just better to eliminate the temptation altogether. Once I realized how many of our moments together were being stolen away, it seemed silly to continue. It seems very unlikely that my husband and I will look at each other when the children are gone and say, "Boy, I wish we had spent more time in front of the television together."
So, yeah, it's going. Mostly OK most days, but getting better every day, if that makes sense.
I'll try to be better about posting more regularly. Thanks for checking in on me.
Comments
Jul. 28, 2008 - Finally stopping by
Posted by mpetit
Hi, I have been seeing you about at the friendsonline I have been visiting and it is nice to come by and get to know you.
I know what you mean about the tv. My keyboard is giving out but will post on my blog sometime about it upon your inspiration...
Can't wait to read and meet your family.
Have a blessed day,
Michele
