In 1999, my family cancelled cable. We didn't watch ANY live television, only videos. And we made it an entire year until we moved and ordered cable for the new house. Deep heavy sigh. This was before much Internet activity and any video game activity. And we never recaptured the atmosphere we had when we stopped the television. Now, we had ONE media free weekend several months ago...and we turn technology (computers, video games, and TV) off at 7 p.m. every evening with only a few exceptions here and there. But there are times when I would REALLY like to regain those days of no live TV. Well, that leads me to my desire to participate in this challenge--"TV TURNOFF WEEK." I mentioned it briefly yesterday and my kids really wanted to know the particulars....mainly if that included computer and video games as well. They, of course, believe that to be a breeze if they can get on their video games and computers. Well....what good is that? Here is my plan! I want to propose at our family meeting today that starting tomorrow, no TV for a week....and 1 hour or less of video games/computers per day (not counting time on the computer for work or school). That SHOULD be a lot, but that is cutting back on the video games and computers. I am going to challenge them, though, to try to log the LEAST amount of time on technology for a prize of some sort at the end of the week. Hopefully, this will inspire future changes in our use of "technology."
To see about this year's challenge or to find others participating in the challenge, head on over to Unplug Your Kids TV. Feel free to leave me comments or advice or encouragement or ideas....I promise I'll read them only during my allotted computer time!
We have had no television (they can watch dvd's on the computer) for over 4 years. I love it! We don't really watch dvd's frequently either, maybe once every two weeks. I love the absence of that kind of noise in my house.
ReplyDeleteToni
http://thehappyhousewife.com
Thank you for joining us! I hope you have a good week. Good luck and I look forward to reading how it went for you!
ReplyDeleteI am ready for a tv free week. I enjoyed when we didn't have it before. We record most of what we watch anyway! -- MR. E aka: Hubbs
ReplyDeleteGood for you!! If I'd known about this a little earlier, I might've signed our family on as well. We've debated unsubscribing to satellite (the only available provider in our area) for the summer months, but haven't quite made the decision. We're a little worried we'll have to pay a reactivation fee if we want to sign on again in fall.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I grew up without a TV ~ never had one until I bought my own when I was 22 years old ~ and now I have a hard time imagining going completely without it. I've become far more addicted to my computer over the last year ~ giving THAT up would be much harder for me. We'll see. I checked out that "Unplug Your Kids" site and there's some really good ideas.