Ok, I was on one of my fav blogs and a celebrity was saying that they dont have a TV in their home. She has a young son. She did say though that from time to time they will rent a movie but it was more of a, they just dont like the noise it brings rather than anything else.
So then the comments came to that blog. Some saying great, thats a great idea and some saying thats ridiculous and so forth. Whats your stance?
Here is mine. I know Ive shared this a time or two, but here it is in great, ok not so great, length.
We have three TV's in our home...scratch that 5 TV's. 3 in the loft (for football purposes), 1 in the Master bedroom and 1 downstairs in the family room. We dont mind TV we dont think its the worst thing ever, but as a family, we just dont have time for TV when hubs is home, and Im talking prime time shows, we do TIVO though! When hubs isnt home, I try to squeeze in my soaps while Im cooking dinner or if the boys are napping, once in a while I will leave the food network on if its a lazy day.
As for the children, their TV watching is VERY limited. Some days they go without it, like for instance they havent watched "their" shows since Thursday and they could really care less, if we put our shows on, they dont even pay attention. If and when they do watch TV, like I said its limited. I will only let them watch a few certain shows that are on Disney Channel and Nick Jr. We TIVO those shows so that they may watch them when its time and they are mainly learning shows. We let them watch, Wubbzy, Little Einsteins, Wonder Pets, Yo Gabba Gabba, Mickey Mouse Club House and the new one is Chuggington (not sure the educational value on that yet but Jack loves trains). Each show, we have noticed has brought some sort of new thought and has taught Jack something new in some way. Again WE are the ones that determine what he watches and when. They normally won't exceed an hour a day.
This is not to say that my way is the best way for all, because it clearly isnt, everyone has their own way. Something that I am sooo against is children who are put in front of the TV all day as a babysitter. We love crafts, building things, going to the park, playing outside, playing soccer, hockey, bikes and all that. Im really not sure if I will even be buying my children any sort of video games, why waste the money. I see children all the time out and about with their family, on their video games!! They will not put it down even when asked. One time, this is sad, our family was out to eat and there was a mother and son eating at a table for two, she on her blackberry and he on his game! I was a little shocked...can we as people make QUALITY time with each other for even a half hour?
We love family nights and we take full advantage of them, we either do lots of puzzles, read books (the kids LOVE books), go to the arcade and play together, go off on some crazy adventure (which we are known to do) but you wont find us on the couch doing a movie night. I just dont see how that is quality family time when no one is talking or interacting....Im all for watching shows/movies together but not labeling it family night. It is clearly not. Hubs and I will watch a movie together to relax and unwind after the kids are asleep. Again just my opinion.
Ok, getting to the point. I see some educational value in TV which is why its allowed at a minimum but I also can not ignore the doctors articles that are written about non educational TV given to children, period, and especially under the age of 2.
Im just the type of person that wants to make the most out of every moment with my family. I want to create great memories for them. I had an awesome childhood and remember sooo much of it and so did hubs. I want that for my children and so much more. Regardless how tired I am or how much I hurt (when pregnant), I want my childrens life to be fulfilled and exciting. Ok now Im just rambling...I know, this is brought to them by much more than limited TV....haha. But. Im. Just. Saying.
What does everyone else think?
