Family Challenge

[torontokids]

So my family has decided to not watch TV for all of July and see how it goes. We just told our 3 year old the TV is broken so we don't get asked every day (she doesn't watch much about 30 mins a day but it just makes sense that we all stop) and I hid the remote. TV is such a time waster and already I am finding myself more productive.

[Skysue]

We were unplugged for 2 years and I miss the pace!

[Artsand crafts]

I loooove TV, but my son does not watch it (he's 2 yo). We only watch TV at night or at nap time. On weekends we are usually out so no time there. I do not think I could be up for that challenge... I will be hitting my head in the wall, I am such an addict (mainly of mystery series and movies lol)

[mimi]

Kudos to you Torontokids. The tv here is not on during the day. I play music instead for the kids and myself however, LOL I do admit it settling on the couch around 9 and treating myself to one of the reality cooking shows (love master chef comps) with a little vino of course

[Trace of Angels]

I was thinking the same thing. I gave it up for 7 years once (I was single and had a travelling job) It was GREAT and I was actually thinking today that I might do the same thing again.
It's amazing what you can get done and do get to do when you get that time back that you dedicate to the television. Go for it Torontokids!!!!!!!!!

[giraffe]

No tv during daycare hours but me... i am a tv junkie. It is how I relax my brain

[Momof4]

Ummmm, uhoh, here's my sad secret. I am addicted to some shows and sometimes I have taped (yes I still use a VCR!) about 10 hours by the weekend and get through them a lot quicker by fast forwarding commercials but I like to have a quiet day on the weekend to veg out and watch tv and rest. I like comedies and dramas.

[playfelt]

I rarely just sit when watching tv so that is when I cut out felt orders, crochet stuff or do lesson planning. Often I am sitting at my desk on the computer while watching tv. I think TV has been given a bad rap and like anything needs moderation in use but for those that just can't step away without watching "just one more show" then like an addiction it needs to be avoided altogether.

For me the computer is a far more serious time waster than the tv - especially during naptime. In a sense it is a substitute for the fact we have little to no adult interaction during the day and all my "friends" live in my computer.

[Momof4]

You're so right Playfelt. I belong to 4 daycare forums and checking into all of them at least twice a day keeps me sane and I feel as though there are others in my little world who understand my daycare life and career choice. I'm always on the computer or doing something else when I watch tv in the evening and I do my dishes, laundry and other housework in commercials. Over the years I've become an expert at doing my work and getting back to my living room before the commercials are over.

[cfred]

I don't think I'd ever go completely unplugged. I love my documentaries and movies. However, we watch very, very little now. I got rid of our satellite service when we moved into a suburban area with highspeed (finally). We've opted for Netflix ($8/mo) and 1channel.ch (free). LOVE IT!!! Instead of turning on the tv to zone out, we look for a specific movie or program to watch. It's almost never on during the day, apart from occasionally during naps or the odd movie on a rainy day. Other than that, watching a little something is a just before bed event for me and my teen boys.

I don't miss network television in the slightest (or the $70/mo bill for crap).