Saturday, May 30, 2009

Turning off the TV- almost

      TV is bad news for children- for the most part.  I dislike the way cartoons and sitcoms portray adults (dumb, lazy, etc.) and the terrible attitudes that are commonplace (and accepted!) for children/teens.  I tried many times to ban the TV in our home, but it's no easy task.
      Here is what we are doing at our house now and it's working beautifully!  The TV is off, except for in the evening.  Each night we take turns choosing an "old" time TV show to watch as a family.  We all love the Waltons...

   Little House on the Prairie...

   A new favorite is Wonder Woman!

   This was my favorite as a child.  The Brady Bunch.  I can quote many a line.:)

   I can't wait to choose Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys.  Yes, we have that on DVD, too!  It's fun spending time as a family and the girls haven't complained about it being off- yet.  In fact, the girls are getting along better and have been finding lots of creative ways to occupy their time.  I am so proud of them and I feel like I have much more control over things.  It's amazing how easily TV can take over your life!
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16 comments:

  1. mysteryhistorymomMay 30, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    love it

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  2. theUngourmetMay 30, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    These were the shows I grew up watching! I long for those good old days when shows had morals and taught about manners and character!

    Good plan mom!

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  3. Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful LifeMay 30, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Growing up, I liked these TV shows too. Are they still as enjoyable? (I don't have cable, so I don't get them.)

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  4. mysteryhistorymomMay 30, 2009 at 9:13 PM

    Brenda- The shows are enjoyable as ever! We have them all on DVD so we can watch them whenever we like, which I love.

    Just thought I would let you know that I am not the one commenting on my own blog- lol! My little one has figured out how to leave comments... I just have to laugh! Lori

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  5. Robin BeckMay 30, 2009 at 9:26 PM

    This is probably one of the smartest things parents can do for their children... Turn Hollywood and their lack of values OFF!

    My parents did the same thing with us while we were growing up. I love all those shows! I have fond memories of sitting in our living room watching them with our parents.

    People tell me I look alot like Linda Carter when I straighten my hair-Wish my body did!!!!

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  6. EliseMay 30, 2009 at 9:33 PM

    I wondered that about the comments looking like you were doing them. That is too funny!!
    I think my children are better behaved when we don't turn the tv on during the day. I find that they play so much more and really, they hardly even ask to watch tv. Now, if I could only get rid of my cable...I think Husband would not approve. Boo...
    Elise

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  7. Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful LifeMay 30, 2009 at 9:48 PM

    Lori, Thanks so much for popping by my place and leaving such a beautiful comment -- thanks!!!

    Had to chuckle at your comment about your daughter leaving comments!

    If I ever come across books that I think your grandmother might enjoy, I'll try and remember to let you know.

    Although not in the same vein, I did enjoy reading the Blossom Street series by Debbie Maccomber. The group of women who meet and learn how to knit together share a community that I quite enjoyed.

    Cheers and big hugs!

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  8. AnonymousMay 31, 2009 at 5:37 AM

    Here here!I cant many tv shows any more and really the only time we have a good time watching TV is when its older shows!i used to let lauren watch so many shows and then when I would sit with her to watch them it was all about boys and kissing and how school is boring!! yeah TV gets turned off here as well.. unless its sesame street or what I stated above!
    They really need to start looking at the kinds of shows they are putting out there for kids!

    btw I had a feeling you did Homeschool but was not sure 80)... Unfortunately tho this was our last year doing it. Momma needs a job *Outside* of the house for a little. To be honest I think tho that we may go back to homeschooling after this year is up as long as the finances are in order. I love it and so does she! and I know Gabriella will love it as well. as she was already sitting down next to Lauren with her book schooling lol!

    Thank you for coming to my blog and posting such sweet comments always! You are truly a wonderful woman and friend! ((Huggs))

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  9. Lindsay-annMay 31, 2009 at 5:47 AM

    Hi Lori
    I am glad to hear your 'turning of the TV' is having the desired effect. I can remember watching Little House on the Prairie and Wonder Woman but I do not know the others. I am lucky Jessica never really liked cartoon type shows and even now she prefers to read rather than watch TV. She does however like the the talent shows similar to American Idol. We all do!
    Hope you are having a great Sunday.
    Lindsay
    x

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  10. JulieMay 31, 2009 at 5:50 AM

    What a great idea! When my kids where little we turned it off for 3 years. We turned it back on when 911 happened. There are times when I wish it was still off. It's hard when you have a senior boy in the house that likes watching hunting and fishing shows.
    Direct TV has parent controls. I block the bad channels or channels with bad ratings...Have a beautiful Sunday...Julie

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  11. JillMay 31, 2009 at 9:35 AM

    So true! We aren't a "TV family either"...probably won't surprise you but we spend hours creating in my studio...when we do watch TV though we like the "old shows" too!
    Blessings!

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  12. AnonymousMay 31, 2009 at 9:48 AM

    I love all those shows! What a great reminder of the "good ole days" HA

    You're an amazing mom!

    love ya
    Angi

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  13. ArtfulifeMay 31, 2009 at 11:25 AM

    I want to look like Wonder Woman, she's hot!

    Lori we got rid of cable almost a year ago. We don't miss it at all. If we want to watch something we watch it on Hulu. Less commercials, and we can watch when we want, usually later in the evening after kids have gone to bed. I do let the kids watch PBS kids during the morning if I am desperate, and Sloanie loves Aurthur & Ruff Ruffman in the afternoons. I'm with you on this one. They won't miss it a bit.

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  14. AnonymousMay 31, 2009 at 9:54 PM

    I agree Lori, I try a let my girls watch very little TV. Even the shows that are supposed to be for the wee ones sometimes don't seem appropriate :( Love the Brady Bunch too. I think what you are doing is great! Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like without a tv, then realize that Football season comes around at some point and well...I have a football fanatic husband, tee hee.

    Jamie :)

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  15. Jessica June 1, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    oh..great idea. There's no way my boys would survive, but MJ and I are getting ready to start the Christy series. Did you ever watch it when it was on tv? I love it.

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  16. Yarni Gras!June 2, 2009 at 5:54 AM

    Marcia, Marcia,Marcia! heehee I loved the Brady Bunch too!

    I also liked Gilligan's Island.

    My hubby loved Wonder Woman....thought she was HOT!

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