A few months back we decided to cut some of our costs, and cancel our satelitte dish. At first it was a bit of an adjustment for the kids, but they've not looked back. After noticing how easy of a transition it was, we've slowly cut almost all of our television viewing out.
Instead of our days being filled with cartoons and complete and utter filth, they are filled with conversations, laughter, imagination filled building projects, enjoying the outdoors, reading and good old fashioned games!
Noah and Kait playing Blokus, which has quickly become a family favorite. We first played it on New Year's Eve, and we've not stopped! I love that this game does take some thinking, yet it is simple enough for my 4½ year old.
Connect 4 is another game we play constantly. It's a classic, what's not to love??
Since turning our television off and finding other things to do, we've opened up communication and learned to just really enjoy each other's company. In addition, we aren't continually exposed to the newest fancy gadgets and contraptions. Meaning, the kids aren't always begging for the newest toys, and neither are the adults.
We're content with our surroundings, and that works for me just fine. ;)
This post is linking to Things I Love Thursday
17 comments:
We LOVE Blokus! So glad to know that you can play with little ones too :)
I saw that game at Wal-mart and almost bought it. I'm thinking now I might have to go back & get it! Good job on the TV watching.
Thanks for showing us that it can be done. My husband and I were talking about haveing to cut some stuff out. Thanks for the ideas.
www.simplyputsimplyme.blogspot.com
I agree! It's great to not have the TV interuptions all the time! My husband and I have never had our TV hooked up to anything but the DVD player, and it's nice to tell people no when they ask if I've seen the latest commercial, or the newest episode of a show. Nope! I was busy doing projects! :-)
We got Blokus for Christmas and I hadn't opened it yet. I will this coming game night. We also recently stopped our Netflix. My kids have still watched a few benign kid DVD's we own (like Signing Time and Baby Einstein)- but drastically reduced TV time.
I always try to get my kids to play game together, and turn of the TV. Most of the time, they do it when I ask, but it'd be easier of we didn;t have satellite.
My parents got rid of our t.v when I was about 7 (I am soon to be 35). I remember that we listened to music a lot, and played outdoors almost constantly, even in freezing temps. There were those who asked me if I was "Jehovah's Witness"(nope, Pentecostal), and I missed the years of Family Ties and Growing Pains, but all in all, it was wonderful. I would consider doing it, but my husband would NEVER go for it. Good for you.
AMEN
we cancelled our cable tv and survive with an HDTV antenna we purchased for less than 30 bucks. The beauty? Did you know there are at least 15 PBS channels? We've learned SO much and yes, the tv is off much more than it is on. Oh...and Blokus became a family favorite this year for us too, that and UNO...gotta love the classics!
We canceled our satellite a couple of months ago and we've survived just fine. I've never heard of Blokus. We love new games so I'll have to see if I can find it. Thanks for all your great tips!
That's awesome!! I admit, I'm bad about keeping ours ... I tune it out, but I like background noise. I'm really trying to curve that though & make sure it's off ALOT more!! (PS - still looking forward to seeing you at Blissdom!!)
We stopped watching television over a year ago. Now we very rarely watch it and then only things we consider appropriate and suitable for the family. When you stop and look there is so much unsuitable pap on TV for kids... and adults!
Anyway, just came on over to let you know you have a couple of awards at mine:
http://largerfamilylife.blogspot.com/2010/01/im-so-late.html
Congratulations!
Hi Phoebe,
When we moved we went to basic cable, it's included in our community fees. I think my husband missed it the most. We have a no TV during the week rule, and it really works well for us. We've been doing it for a few years and I can't imagine going back. It makes the day so much easier, the kids come home and get their homework done and if they have extra time they play outside or grab a game. Once the weekend comes, they run to the TV and watch one or two (mom approved) shows. Then it's out of their system and they move on to other things. It makes for a lot of quality family time! I'm glad you've discovered how great it is:)
Liz
yes we have found family time, cards, games, reading more enjoyable as well since we have limited TV
Sounds great! If you ever need any ideas for activities or want to share advice, head on over to Of Such is the Kingdom!
We love Blockus too!!! And good job on the 'no tv'!! I grew up without it, and so will my boys. We do watch videos, but I limit them!
We got rid of the TV 4 years ago. We noticed our toddler just standing and staring at it whenever it was on and decided that it just couldn't be healthy! Now, we sit and relax, I read fun books to the family (Dad really likes it too), and the boys get our time and attention too! It's great. I'm so glad we did it!
Never heard of Blokus...we'll have to check that one out.
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