The other week I mentioned I was putting my children on a TV and video game detoxification program. I also included internet because I did not want the internet to become a substitute for either one. My intent was to go back to how things used to be in my home. I used to run a home not heavily centered on TV or video games. Over time and as thing become busier and the weather colder the TV and video game system was becoming used on a regular basis. In addition it was also the center of arguments among two of my children and I had unintentionally allowed TV shows that I normally would not. It was just getting out of hand because I had stopped monitoring it as I once did. So, we went a week with no TV, video games or internet for the kids. I still had my work to take care of online. I also allowed documentaries for school.
What did I notice?
Decrease in Arguing: Two of my children wake up very early and like to watch TV before the day gets on its way. This usually results in arguing as one is a 12 year old boy whose life revolves around football and the other is a 6 year old girl whose life revolves around all things pink. Instead of arguing in the morning they actually played together and got along.
There was less arguing throughout the day with all kids. Arguing will always take place in a home with children but it was nice to cut out some excess.
Increase of Noise: Without the TV or video games the kids were much louder. They were always talking, laughing, singing or just making noise in one way or another. I will admit there were a few afternoons I wanted to turn the TV back on just to give my ears a rest. Then I realized the noise was the noise of childhood and I had grown too accustomed to a house void of it all day. I used to run a daycare and not even notice how the noises but after we lapsed into TV mode the noises decreased dramatically. I prefer the noise even if at times it makes me buggy.
Decrease in Snacking: Two of my kids used to ask for snacks all day long. With no TV they were too busy to fall into mindless snacking.
Increase of Playing Together: Three of my children learned to play together. It was not always without incident as it never will be but they adapted. My 12 year old boy, 6 year old girl and 3 year old girl would spend late afternoons playing Legos, building with blocks, or playing indoor bowling. They also did more crafts but it was at this time my son missed the video games.
I have a 14 year old also and you may have noticed she was not mentioned. She is not into TV or video games. She only suffered from a lack of internet which she hardly indulges in anyway. Life went on as usual for her.
I highly suggest a TV and video game fast for everyone. We spent much more time as a family overall and the children got along much better. It was well worth it and next week we will not go back to TV and video games in excess. I will go back to my intentional monitoring.