I am sending my children through a TV and video game detoxification program. During nice weather the TV rarely come on and the video games are traded for outdoor games. Yet, in the winter we tend to tune in and turn on electronic and internet outlets much more. Normally, I would say this is par for the course but as the winter is moving forward I am noticing an odd trend. The kids do nothing but school and watch TV or play a video game during our regular days at home. I would look up and tell my younger two daughters not to watch a show only for their response to be “We always watch this.” What? How did I miss it? I missed it because I fell into the trap of allowing TV while I worked. As my workload increased my attempt to work nights was not realistic. I had to get some work done during the day. Sadly, I did not plan this out wisely and just allowed TV time to be my work time and both were getting out of control.
Before you think I am anti-TV or a bad mom for allowing the TV to babysit or whatever you may gather so far please consider this. I am not anti-TV or video games. I was a mom who limited both and was very picky about the shows my children watched. I became so comfortable in my stance that as it slowly changed I did not realize it. I looked up after a few weeks or so and realized that I no longer held the ground I once did. This was not because I had disobedient children. I was not crumbling under pressure by little hands placed firmly on a remote control. I let it go. Oddly at the same time if you asked me I would say that I did not allow TV much and I was strict about what shows my children watched. So for me and my house, going unplugged to reset my household order was necessary. I allowed it to get out of control and now I am regaining ground. We are starting with one week and seeing the results. I will either add things back in or go another week. We will see where this takes us.