We have been without TV for over two years now. It is by far one of the best decisions we have ever made for our family. That being said, yes, we actually do have a TV unit. It has been moved up to an upstairs room where the kids can play Wii or watch a DVD (we aren't completely unplugged). What I mean is that we do not have 'TV' as in any broadcasted shows. People sometimes look at me weird and ask me why. I just don't think it improves my families life. I do not miss the commercials taunting things we do not need. I do not miss the news telling me about the latest perversion or crime. I do not miss shows that make me lose brain cells or ones that capture so much of your attention that it takes time away from living life or spending time with the kids. Mostly I do not miss the inappropriate crap that is shown during the shows and in-between the shows that are supposedly kid-friendly.
If I need to know the weather forecast, I can look it up on the computer in a minute. My mom will call me to tell me if I need to watch out for a tornado or something (I do have a weather radio). I still keep up on current events by checking news links. If there is something I need to know or watch (stuff for homeschool, recipes, or what have you), I can specifically look it up on the computer and be done. Yes the computer can taunt you and drag you into the next rabbit hole (I'm talking to you Pinterest), but most times I find it easier to walk away. Don't get me wrong, I still get an urge to veg out in front of the TV every once in awhile, and I can easily stream in an old show on the computer (and have on occasions).
So what do we do with our time?
Audio stories...
Adventures in Odyssey (great for the 8-10 range - 1/2 hour audio drama teaching moral and biblical principles)
Jonathan Park Radio Dramas (adventures based on real places and scientific discoveries)
Lamplighter (excellent character trait building stories)
Puzzles...
Sometimes the 750 variety that lasts for days. Sometimes the quick 101 piece puzzles that take 10 minutes...
Read Aloud Books...
Currently reading Black Stallion. We try to read a chapter a day together - most times when the one chapter ends, Nissa begs for another.
Games...
Some of our favorites are Fish Stix, Zingo, Ticket to Ride, and Monopoly Jr.
Play...
...whatever they want to play. Just go with whatever silly idea they come up with - obstacle courses in the basement, monster, make a workout video (yes, Nissa wanted to do that one).
Movie night...
Sometimes you just need to chill (I'm talking me here). 50 lbs of popcorn should do the trick. (fyi - we are a big air-popped popcorn family...more specifically Boden. This bag is mainly for him)...
Go for a walk, ride our bikes, fish, sled, etc...
I want the kids to enjoy being active, so we try to encourage time together walking on the trail behind our home. It's in these moments when we feel really connected as a family.
Read, read, and read some more...
I am firm believer that kids follow your lead. Read for yourself. Read to your kids. Do a bible study. Learn something new. Grow your mind. Share what you are learning with your family, and have them share with you. It gives you things to talk about together.
Hobbies...
Get a hobby. Sew, knit, paint, play legos, exercise, cook, garden, read, build a model train set (insert your own passion here). Find something that interests you and do it. Teach them your hobby, or try to learn something new together!
Now don't get to thinking I believe we have it all figured out - far, far, far from it. Sometimes we are in the living room and I'm reading, Ryan's listening to a podcast, kids are playing a computer game or ipod, or what have you. Sometimes we are just staring at each other bored to tears. Sometimes we all go our separate ways. Sometimes I'm counting down the minutes til the kids go to bed when it's been one of those days. You get the drift. Nobody has it figured out, but being TV-less has brought my family closer together.
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