A Day Without TV

Yesterday I made the decision that we would go one whole day without TV.

You see the TV watching in our house has gotten out of control - as evidenced by the behavior of the little mister.

How did it get so out of control?

I'm a home educating mom, many people would automatically think that we don't even have a TV.

Others would think that I would at least be good at limiting what my child watches. That much is a lot closer to the truth, I'm a stickler for the preschool channels and educational DVDs.

What happened, then?

I've got one word for you: Pregnancy.

Actually another: Fatigue.

Ok, a couple more: Complete Exhuastion.

The first trimester was insane as far as the fatigue this time around. I was so tired, so sleepy I could barely get anything done. I was sleeping on the couch every chance that I got. I seriously lacked energy.

I was really glad to no be throwing up every day this time around. The fatigue was definitely a welcome change. Not that I didn't have fatigue last time, but it was not to this extreme.

So along came long hours of TV watching for my son. I justified it because I knew that it wouldn't last forever and that I didn't have the energy to keep up with him.

Then came the second trimester and the TV was a nice little comfort that everyone was used to so I didn't fight it too much and I didn't realize just how often the TV was on in our home.

He got used to watching it as soon as he woke up in the mornings. He got used to watching it until breakfast time. He got used to watching it before lunch while I made lunch. He got used to watching it after nap. He got used to watching it before, during and after dinner. Not to mention before bedtime.

Sigh.

Yuck.

Then came the summer time and my teenage stepdaughter was with us for the summer and she was watching shows that I definitely did not want my preschooler watching: iCarly, Spongebob, etc.

But it's extremely hard to keep a preschooler away from these shows when big sister and dad are sitting on the couch watching them and laughing.

Oy.

Though when I had the energy I would get him outside instead of watching TV.

When I was pregnant with him I prayed that he would love the outdoors more than the indoors and that was an answered prayer! He loves to get out and run, jump, build things, chase the dog, etc.

So back to yesterday's No TV Day.

It started out with a lot of protests. Little mister was NOT happy about having a day of no TV. He wanted this show and that show. He seemed to think that asking multiple times in a row would change the answer. (Hmmm, wonder where he got that from??? Daddy??)

But despite the early protests he ended up having a fun day and played with a lot of toys that have been ignored for a long time. Not only that but he was having fun and playing more intensely than ever before. A lot more imagination and verbal skills involved. He even stopped protesting.

His behavior and attitudes changed DRAMATICALLY with just one day too!

Wow, I can see my sweet little boy coming back!

Woo-hoo!

I think that once we start up school again next month we will be having a LOT more of these No TV Days.

At least until I have a newborn and fatigue again...

Photo Credit

PS: As I've been saying all week... I just moved this blog over here to blogspot this week and I could really use some followers. Hint, hint! :)

13 comments:

Lauren said...

Good on you for taking a step forward! Well done! And the reward is worth it, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! I need to implement something like this, our tv watching got out of control over the summer - and even though it's mostly Sprout or Nick Jr., I feel like it's too much! I'm sure the little ones will protest for a bit, but they'll get over it :)

Cher said...

Lady Blogger Tea Party

The same thing happened when I was pregnant and had a newborn - I am still struggling with both kids now!

Unknown said...

I'm glad to know that it's not just me! :)

Kitty Deschanel said...

New follower here! Thank you, thank you for putting my Not "Baaad" Sundays button in your sidebar. I was so excited when I saw it! :)
My mom used to unplug the TV and lock it inside her closet for a week at a time whenever she thought we were overdoing it. Of course, this is a lot trickier nowadays with all the ginormous TVs, not to mention TV on the internet.

Inspiring You To Save! said...

Visiting from the Blog Hops! Stop by when you get the chance. I have a Meet Me Monday blog hop and a Wandering Wednesday blop hop and I would love if you could join in.

http://www.inspiringyou2save.com

Amy said...

I posted a very similar blog!
http://imaminivanmommy.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-working-too-well.html

I had the same problem. Pregnant with two toddlers and no energy.

They usually don't even ask for t.v. anymore, except when DADDY is home. He's the biggest baby of them all and can't do anything without the television on. It drives me nuts!

Hanna said...

Hi there! I am your newest follower from the blog hop! Lovely blog you have:) You can find me at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com

Tony said...

i actually just implemented this myself! "no tv tuesday". this tuesday will be the first. Hopefully it'll get us OUTSIDE in this beautiful fall weather.

Kimra
http://crafty-cove.blogspot.com

viswa said...

Lovely Blog,I Cant Imagine without TV one day,TV is a part of every one life’s...

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