My two babies are down for naps in their separate rooms, however in the span of a day they seemed to have come up a with a secret language, because they are talking back and forth and cracking each other up. This does not bode well for the days and years ahead. (It sounds like they’re playing olly olly oxen. I have no idea how to play but it’s fun to say and maybe they think so too. Or maybe it’s their codeword. Or maybe I’ve been around babies too long and am in need of sane, adult conversation.)
I have never thought that I would be one of those parents who wouldn’t allow their children to watch TV. I watched it as a kid, and I’m fairly certain that I turned out quite decent. However, I’ve felt very convicted in the last few weeks to turn the TV off. At first this was hard for Callie. She loves her Barney and the Wiggles. She likes the Sprout channel. These are all good shows with good morals. But I just felt that we needed a change, and so off the TV went. For a few days, Callie seemed to be at a bit of a loss as to what to do with herself. And then she got over it and started playing, really playing. And on top of that, she became incredibly easier to manage. She was happier. She was calmer. She’s started playing with her brother. We have Christian music playing a lot, and she shocks us by how much she can sing along. She’s more into her books. And then there are moments of silence that seem to calm all of our spirits.
Now, I’m not banning TV for life, and in a few short days, the Wiggles Christmas video will make it’s annual debut. But this has been so rewarding for all of us. Granted, it does make more work for me, because I have to find things to entertain her. But, I’m a stay at home mom. It’s sorta my job to do this. And it has made my relationship with Callie stronger, and given me many more opportunities to teach her things, as she has entered the “what’s that?” stage.
Anybody have thoughts or experiences, one way or another, on this topic?
We banned TV, computers, –all electronics for an entire summer. Why we haven’t made it an annual event I don’t know. It was the best summer ever. Walks in the evening, game nights, actually talking face to face with teenagers and my favorite-listening to them talk face to face with each other. Then the new fall shows came out and school started with the need for computers for homework and what we ended up with was a wonderful memory and the experience to know that we can do that again. And we look forward to it! Hug your kids.
…and you teased me for making baby food! You’re pretty hardcore Mrs. Meade. Hardcore indeed. I haven not braved many TV-free days with Ben, but have fasted TV in the past for myself and really enjoyed it. Dropped a few shows permanently because of it actually.
And just fyi…I love your writing and your wit and hilarity and transparency. Keep it up!
Stacey, I would like to think of myself as brave, and did at first, being quite proud of myself and my sacrifices. 🙂 However, let me tell you, it makes life easier on me, not harder! Maybe it’s because, as I have mentioned, my children are weird, but they are in general happier, they play more, they read more, and they sleep better! Crazy!