I had never been a huge fan of the TV...until becoming a parent. I know that sounds terrible, doesn't it? I honestly didn't watch much TV, and neither had Rich, before kids came along and it wasn't something that I wanted my kids to see too much of either. (We actually didn't even HAVE TV the first year we were married.) I don't know when exactly things went downhill, but they did!
There was a point that the kids watched TV constantly! They'd ask to watch something, so I'd put it in for them never thinking that I should offer a different activity instead. The kids TV time is actually much better now. They may watch 1 or 2 shows a day, possibly a 3rd before bed at night but, for the most part, they play a lot now, we have nearly an hour of reading time most days (divided into 30 minute periods), we listen to music more, play games and do activities. I'm actually quite happy with how little time the kiddos watch TV compared to what they used to.
The thing is, it's still a problem for me...
I LOVE my down time each night after the kiddos go to bed. I tend to turn the TV on at 8 or 9, depending on the night and what shows are on, and watch until at least 11:00. I don't think a little TV time for myself is bad, but the amount I feel like I watch is getting to be TOO much. On top of that, I end up snacking and by the end of the night I feel fat and lazy. :-/
On a positive note, at the times that I'm not snacking, I do get some cross-stitching done. Also, I'm proud that we only have one TV on a little TV stand in the corner, and Rich and I have agreed that we will never get more TVs for our bedrooms. We feel TV takes away from family time enough without having it separate the family into separate rooms to watch their own shows too.
So, I'm hoping that I can just take the plunge one day soon and stop watching TV so much...cut back to a couple shows a week and, in turn, make more time for working out, spending time with Rich (and the kids), reading and studying the Bible, etc. I think it'll help make the days more fulfilling and create a stronger bond as a family....maybe for a New Years Resolution?! Then the next thing to tackle will be this computer time!! ;-)
There was a point that the kids watched TV constantly! They'd ask to watch something, so I'd put it in for them never thinking that I should offer a different activity instead. The kids TV time is actually much better now. They may watch 1 or 2 shows a day, possibly a 3rd before bed at night but, for the most part, they play a lot now, we have nearly an hour of reading time most days (divided into 30 minute periods), we listen to music more, play games and do activities. I'm actually quite happy with how little time the kiddos watch TV compared to what they used to.
The thing is, it's still a problem for me...
I LOVE my down time each night after the kiddos go to bed. I tend to turn the TV on at 8 or 9, depending on the night and what shows are on, and watch until at least 11:00. I don't think a little TV time for myself is bad, but the amount I feel like I watch is getting to be TOO much. On top of that, I end up snacking and by the end of the night I feel fat and lazy. :-/
On a positive note, at the times that I'm not snacking, I do get some cross-stitching done. Also, I'm proud that we only have one TV on a little TV stand in the corner, and Rich and I have agreed that we will never get more TVs for our bedrooms. We feel TV takes away from family time enough without having it separate the family into separate rooms to watch their own shows too.
So, I'm hoping that I can just take the plunge one day soon and stop watching TV so much...cut back to a couple shows a week and, in turn, make more time for working out, spending time with Rich (and the kids), reading and studying the Bible, etc. I think it'll help make the days more fulfilling and create a stronger bond as a family....maybe for a New Years Resolution?! Then the next thing to tackle will be this computer time!! ;-)
I really have to moniter TV now that I have teenagers!!
ReplyDeleteTV really is so bad anymore. I like my shows after everyone goes to bed. Carly watches Nick Jr a lot it's neat cause she is starting to try to answer Dora's questions but as far as the big kids it's tough. I watch the news &hubby watches sports about 3 hrs a day.
ReplyDeleteCaroline
I hear ya! We've been much better with tv time lately, and I've not had much computer time either. But man, it's hard to give those up at first! Good luck! =)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great plan. I was raised with a lot of TV. My kids watched it and had them in their rooms when they were older. It does take away from so many other things you can be doing. I myself have taken on a plan where I do not take on any new shows. I've been doing that for several years now and my watching time has decreased. It's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteBetween TV (and online access to TV *sigh*) and computer I am in the same boat! The boys are doing awesome at playing...Me? Notsomuch LOL It's a work in progress!
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy our shows without commercials and I don't think it's an issue. It's the advertising that I really take issue with.
ReplyDelete