This week’s “Things That Work For Me” post could really be titled “Things That Work For Us”.
Every family has their own approach to the television’s place in their home from “its on all the time” to “we don’t own a TV”. We live right in the middle. We do own a TV that we enjoy, but we set limits. The basic rule governing television viewing in our house is very simple; It’s turned off every day from 10 am until 6 pm. I must admit that there is sometimes an adjustment if someone is sick and needs a diversion to pass time or on really (and I mean really) cold, wet days when we can’t get outside. In the case of the latter we might watch a movie or turn it on at 5:00 instead of 6:00.
This very simple method of limiting TV screen time has many benefits, for example:
*We find other, active things to do.
*It provides some quiet during the day (one of my favorites).
*There is more cooperation and much less fighting among siblings.
*We spend more time together.
*Homework gets done early, with less fuss.
*We get creative and try new things.
*We read more and we go lots of places.
*Everyone is propelled outside to play, breathe fresh air and to spend time in the garden!
I could go on and on with my list but you get the idea. I’m not trying to speak in favor or against TV viewing, but rather I’m sharing an alternative that works well here in our house.
We started this last June and I’ve noticed that after a while the turn off seemed to extend beyond the “before ten and after six” time frame. When the tv is off for most of the day the habit is broken and it’s not the “go to” activity anymore. Everyone becomes engaged in other things and kind of forgets about watching it.
What works for you? Do you limit television and if so, how do you do it?
My inquiring, tv-less (most of the time) mind wants to know~
The Salem Garden 