Mario has been begging for years to be a tv-free family. But I always fight him on it because I like the news and I like sitting down to watch some movies and shows with the kids. We use Clearplay for all of our movies, so I try to justify that it is ok because all our movies are edited. Well, a couple weeks ago, I woke up about 4 am and I came downstairs and found Erin up watching tv. Then last night, I woke up about 11:30 and was surprised to hear the tv on downstairs. Eric couldn't sleep. Both times, the kids were watching "Seventh Heaven." So it could have been worse, but when I am sleeping, I expect my kids to be asleep also and not watching tv (or reading) in the middle of the night.
Well, I did something to make Mario happy this morning. I put away all the antennas (we don't even have cable) and the DVD players. I left the wii because I do have a lot of appointments and other things to do this week that will require the kids to be home alone. But I put a one hour limit on the games and they have to play together. Meaning, they don't each have an hour on it a day. One hour total the wii can be on while I am not home. Of course, the computer is always password protected while I am gone.
So I expected my kids to go through some electronic withdrawals. I know it is only day 1, but so far so good. We swam, rode bikes, played lots of games and enjoyed an electronic-free house today. The big kids are up now making up lots of weird games with a punching balloon and the water from the refrigerator door. I have no idea what they are doing, but at least they are having fun and getting along.
I have friends who only bring out the DVD player for family movie night or date night with their husband. I am seriously thinking about doing this in my house. Fortunately, Mario is very supportive. I may be the one in the family with most severe withdrawals. The kids go back to school next week so they will be too busy for tv anyway. But I will be home alone all day and without tv, I may be forced to actually accomplish some work around the house!
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"Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." Gordon B. Hinckley
2 comments:
I sure admire you for what you're doing. I can go without TV, but I don't think I could go without the internet on the phone or the computer. It sure will be a lot of family bonding time without electronics all the time which the kids will appreciate as they get older.
That will be horrible! How will you ever survive the day without your soap operas and bon bons?! Isn't that what housewives do all day??
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