We have had a very busy few days. It is day 17 of 30. On Saturday the kids and I enjoyed a lovely play date with their Aunt Kelly and cousins Cole and Charlotte. Uncle Brendan was there too, but we pretended he wasn't ;) The kids had a lot of fun playing together. When we got in the car to leave the kids asked when we would be going back! Cameron, especially, loves playing with Cole. They really enjoy each others company.
On Sunday Cameron got to go to a pool party. Yes, that's right! A pool party in November. A classmate from school had her birthday party at a resort and the kids got to swim all afternoon. Oh, and eat cake, of course!
Monday my kids got their first round of H1N1 vaccine. I have been going back and forth about giving it to them. I know a few of my readers are anti-vaccine. I have given my children all of their vaccinations, but with Olivia I did it on our own schedule. I was not planning on giving them the H1N1 vaccine when we went to the doctor, but after the nurse practitioner gave me more information about it, I felt it was the best thing to do. I would much rather the side effects of the vaccine, which are minimal, than the chance of them getting the virus.
My kids are definitely benefiting from not being exposed to television for more than two weeks now. I am witnessing and participating in a lot more imaginative play. During dinner preparation, if they don't feel like helping, they find a quiet activity that they can do in the kitchen. They like to be near me, but they are usually content to work on their own. There is definitely a better rhythm to our day. It was great before, but it's stupendous now.
We also started putting the kids to bed in their own room. We took apart Cameron's bunk beds and pushed them together. The two of them go to bed at the same time and fall asleep on their own, only now it is not in our bed! There is a little bit of a struggle, but no tears. Mostly just manipulation, but they will get the hint in a few more days. When they awaken in the night, if it is before 4:30 a.m. we put them back in their bed. Last night was the first night. It was difficult, but I know it will pay off in the end.
Anyway, there is my very boring update. I guess that's a good thing. It means we are doing well. I'll take boring over the alternative any day of the week!
Showing posts with label No TV November. Show all posts
Showing posts with label No TV November. Show all posts
11/13/09
No TV November - Day 13 of 30
There were five children in my care today. 5! Yup, that's right. Two of my own plus three more equals five!!! Today was eventful to say the very least. Just keeping track of all those kids was an event in itself. I am happy to report that the three diapered children all had frequent diaper changes. All five children were fed on a regular basis and everyone of them was supervised! Success!
Our day ended with a lovely dinner with our friends Anna, Jen and Brett. My darling husband is not really on board with my Vegan cooking, but he chokes it down with a smile. I invited some friends over who I thought might enjoy my cooking. I made a yummy artichoke dip for an appetizer. It was delicious and vegan. My lovely dinner guests thought so too (well, the grown up ones, anyway.) Dinner was a broccoli, cashew, teriyaki, tofu stir-fry over brown rice. Yum! Then for dessert I made some cookies.
Cameron was very excited about these cookies. He told Jen, "Mommy made cookies. They taste like the toothpaste at the dentist!" Ooooh, don't those just sound delicious? Quite the salesman my cute little boy is. The cookies were actually 5-Spice Almond cookies and they were delicious and also vegan. Aside from the whole wool issue I am really enjoying a vegan lifestyle.
We had a wonderful evening chatting and eating and playing. Anna took a strong liking to Damien and we all chuckled whenever she called him by "name". "Hey guy, come here!" It was so cute!
Another successful No TV November day made all the better by the company of good friends and delicious food!
Our day ended with a lovely dinner with our friends Anna, Jen and Brett. My darling husband is not really on board with my Vegan cooking, but he chokes it down with a smile. I invited some friends over who I thought might enjoy my cooking. I made a yummy artichoke dip for an appetizer. It was delicious and vegan. My lovely dinner guests thought so too (well, the grown up ones, anyway.) Dinner was a broccoli, cashew, teriyaki, tofu stir-fry over brown rice. Yum! Then for dessert I made some cookies.
Cameron was very excited about these cookies. He told Jen, "Mommy made cookies. They taste like the toothpaste at the dentist!" Ooooh, don't those just sound delicious? Quite the salesman my cute little boy is. The cookies were actually 5-Spice Almond cookies and they were delicious and also vegan. Aside from the whole wool issue I am really enjoying a vegan lifestyle.
We had a wonderful evening chatting and eating and playing. Anna took a strong liking to Damien and we all chuckled whenever she called him by "name". "Hey guy, come here!" It was so cute!
Another successful No TV November day made all the better by the company of good friends and delicious food!
11/12/09
No TV November - Day 12 of 30
Is this getting redundant? I feel like it is. 12 days down, only 18 more to go. 18 more blog titles that start with "No TV November". Ugh! I'm so not feeling it today.
We didn't watch TV today. We went to story time at the library, and then Damien and I took Olivia, Beastie and Little Cameron to buy ourselves a new trash can. Yes! Another new trash can! The previous, previous one was disgusting, the previous one broke and now we bit the bullet and bought one of those fancy stainless steel ones. I like it. It should be our last garbage can purchase for a few years.
I worked tonight and I'm tired. Damien is watching "Glee" and I sooooooo badly want to watch it, but I won't. I'll go to bed instead.
I apologize for the boring and redundant blog posts. I really need to make them more interesting, but I don't feel like it :)
We didn't watch TV today. We went to story time at the library, and then Damien and I took Olivia, Beastie and Little Cameron to buy ourselves a new trash can. Yes! Another new trash can! The previous, previous one was disgusting, the previous one broke and now we bit the bullet and bought one of those fancy stainless steel ones. I like it. It should be our last garbage can purchase for a few years.
I worked tonight and I'm tired. Damien is watching "Glee" and I sooooooo badly want to watch it, but I won't. I'll go to bed instead.
I apologize for the boring and redundant blog posts. I really need to make them more interesting, but I don't feel like it :)
11/11/09
No TV November - Day 11 of 30
My Dancing Queen. Our day started at dance class. Cameron got to come with us and Ms. Kathy asked him to join in. He did. Olivia loved having her brother there. My face hurt at the end of the hour from smiling so much.
After dance class we headed over to my friend Amy's house to play with her kids. Our children are almost exactly the same age. Cameron and Sydney hit it off really well. Cameron was certainly showing off in front of his new friend. Olivia and Gavin played babies together. It was so cute.
After our nap we wanted to go visit Damien at the Fire Station. On the way there I called to be sure that it was ok. When the phone picked up all I could hear were sirens. I took that as a signal that my hubby was out saving someone's life, so we headed back home. It put a wrench in our dinner plans, but we made do. The kids helped me make pasta with homemade lemony-garlic basil pesto and a Caesar Salad.
Here they are setting the table. They love when I give them grown up tasks to do!
They were so proud of the dinner they made! They wanted me to take a photo to show Daddy.
When Olivia really likes something she is eating she decides she needs to take her shirt off. I think she knows she will make a big mess. She kept saying "I love salad, Mumma!"
Tubby time!
Olivia made the funniest face, and I just happened to catch it with my camera. My kids always want to see the photos after I take them. When Cameron saw this one he thought it was hilarious!
Then, not to be outdone, Cameron wanted to make scary faces.
Then he asked Olivia to make another scary face, and this is what she came out with:
Her real scary faces just happen. When she tries she ends up looking sweeter than ever!
Another successful day with the TV off. What did you do today?
11/10/09
No TV November - Day 10 of 30
Another glorious, but unusually warm, November day in New England! I could get used to this, but of course, I won't. I'm sure there is a freezing cold spell right around the corner.
Olivia and I walked with Little Cameron and Maria to the natural food store to do a little grocery shopping. Maria's Mommy met us there. Olivia ate her yogurt covered pretzels on the way home. For the rest of the morning she played outside with her Daddy while he hung all of our Christmas lights. I cannot believe I even typed that! It doesn't seem like it is almost Christmas, but it is. Oh, I have so much to do (make).
Tonight was our monthly S.O.S (Save Our Sanity) dinner with our lovely group of friends. The theme was comfort foods. Oh, comfort foods are so delicious and I am sooooo full! The kids had a wonderful time playing together. Thank you to the Blackwelders for hosting tonight.
The kids have adjusted so well to not watching any TV. I am certainly a very proud Mama. We do read Curious George books, which I think they like better. I like them better. George isn't as curious in the books as he is on TV!
Hope everyone enjoyed their day!
Olivia and I walked with Little Cameron and Maria to the natural food store to do a little grocery shopping. Maria's Mommy met us there. Olivia ate her yogurt covered pretzels on the way home. For the rest of the morning she played outside with her Daddy while he hung all of our Christmas lights. I cannot believe I even typed that! It doesn't seem like it is almost Christmas, but it is. Oh, I have so much to do (make).
Tonight was our monthly S.O.S (Save Our Sanity) dinner with our lovely group of friends. The theme was comfort foods. Oh, comfort foods are so delicious and I am sooooo full! The kids had a wonderful time playing together. Thank you to the Blackwelders for hosting tonight.
The kids have adjusted so well to not watching any TV. I am certainly a very proud Mama. We do read Curious George books, which I think they like better. I like them better. George isn't as curious in the books as he is on TV!
Hope everyone enjoyed their day!
11/9/09
No TV November - Day 9 of 30
Today we enjoyed another gorgeous day in New England! It really felt like we skipped Winter and went right into Spring. The kids and I had a wonderful play date with a group of Moms and kids from the area. The kids helped me bake some really healthy cookies before we went. When I say healthy, I really mean it. And they tasted delicious and were gone in 60 seconds! Flax meal, spelt flour, sunflower seeds, raisins, cinnamon, baking powder, maple syrup and vanilla. No sugar, just the all natural maple syrup. I enjoyed them!
After lunch and rest time we went to the playground. There were so many other people there enjoying the day. It felt wonderful to be outside without our coats on. The kids kept screaming, "Mommy, it's summer!" When we got back we could not bear to go inside. Our neighbors kindly let us use their yard to play in. (Our back yard is filled with poo :( )
My kids were exhausted. They have been refusing to nap. They rest, but they won't sleep. So we had dinner at 4:30, bath at 5:00, PJs at 5:30 and they were asleep by 6. I know, it's way too early. I think that if I had been away from them all day I would totally feel guilty about it, but having spent the entire day playing with them, it didn't feel as bad. I swear, if I had let them stay up one minute longer I think they would have spontaneously combusted! How come they don't understand that they need to nap?
I do have a confession. I turned on the TV today. Not for the kids, but for myself. I know, it's shameful! It happened at 2 a.m. I awoke and could not turn my mind off to fall back to sleep. So I watched a DVR episode of "Flash Forward". What an excellent show! It won't happen again, though! :) Well, not until December anyway!
Hope you all had a marvelous day!
After lunch and rest time we went to the playground. There were so many other people there enjoying the day. It felt wonderful to be outside without our coats on. The kids kept screaming, "Mommy, it's summer!" When we got back we could not bear to go inside. Our neighbors kindly let us use their yard to play in. (Our back yard is filled with poo :( )
My kids were exhausted. They have been refusing to nap. They rest, but they won't sleep. So we had dinner at 4:30, bath at 5:00, PJs at 5:30 and they were asleep by 6. I know, it's way too early. I think that if I had been away from them all day I would totally feel guilty about it, but having spent the entire day playing with them, it didn't feel as bad. I swear, if I had let them stay up one minute longer I think they would have spontaneously combusted! How come they don't understand that they need to nap?
I do have a confession. I turned on the TV today. Not for the kids, but for myself. I know, it's shameful! It happened at 2 a.m. I awoke and could not turn my mind off to fall back to sleep. So I watched a DVR episode of "Flash Forward". What an excellent show! It won't happen again, though! :) Well, not until December anyway!
Hope you all had a marvelous day!
11/8/09
No TV November - Day 8 of 30
What a glorious day for shutting the TV off and going outside, don't you think? My children and I spent the entire day outdoors, except for meals and not-so-much napping time. The sun shone bright on our faces all day, and it must have warmed all of our hearts because I was able to capture the most perfect moment:
Our mornings have been so much easier now that the TV is turned off. If Curious George happened to be on and I wanted to try to get the kids dressed we had to wait until the show was over. Then, when the show was over Cameron would beg me for one more show. Now, because the TV never goes on, I bring down his clothes and he just starts getting dressed himself. It's absolutely amazing! We are all dressed and ready by 6:30. A whole hour before other children start showing up. It pleases me.
After nap time and afternoon snack (homemade hummus, crackers and cheese) we headed out to Imagination Station. This is the kids' absolute favorite playground. I think it is wonderful myself. It is a little scary for me when I'm by myself because I actually lose sight of the kids for short periods of time. Today, though, there were lots of other parents there and they were kind enough to help me keep an eye on my kids.
Sometimes the best Christmas card photo is the one that you don't plan. For the second year in a row my children have been in front of our house just playing and I just happened to catch them at the exact right moment. No fuss over what clothes they are wearing, what they are holding in their hands, their hair or the scenery. All you have here are two kids who adore each other as we were heading out to the grocery store. Perfect and absolute bliss!
After the grocery store we spent some time shopping at the Tanger Outlet Center. The kids really enjoy shopping with me. Olivia really needed some girly outfits and I needed some retail therapy. Cameron and Olivia both took turns on the robotic horse ride. I never put money in, but today I splurged because my kids are worth it :)
After nap time and afternoon snack (homemade hummus, crackers and cheese) we headed out to Imagination Station. This is the kids' absolute favorite playground. I think it is wonderful myself. It is a little scary for me when I'm by myself because I actually lose sight of the kids for short periods of time. Today, though, there were lots of other parents there and they were kind enough to help me keep an eye on my kids.
Olivia is growling at me, I think.
The angel I know is inside her.
Cameron pauses just for a moment so I can take a photo.
She rocks these things so hard I think she might break them.
Those Gilford kids are pretty lucky that this is their school playground!
My children are sound asleep. I finished my book and I don't have another one waiting in the wings. I guess I will get some knitting done while I wait for Damien to get home from the Patriots game.
11/7/09
No TV November - Day 7 of 30
I absolutely do not feel like blogging tonight! I'm so tired. Waaaaa! Poor me. I just got home from a busy day at work after a busy day at home! No TV again today. Neither child even asked. We spent the morning grocery shopping, played outside in the leaves when we got home, ate a yummy lunch, didn't take naps, played with puzzles and then went to Imagination Station with Daddy. I stayed home and got ready for work. I have no idea what happened after I left, but the report is there was no TV.
Good night!
Good night!
11/6/09
No TV November - Day 6 of 30
I am so thankful for the trunk full of dress-up clothes in the piano room. Cameron was Batman all day today. Not just any Batman; the 1970's blue Batman from the comic book series. My Mom made it for my brother Dan, I'm guessing, in 1978. I think I was Wonder Woman that year. I must have a photo of it somewhere! My brother Nate was Superman. We still have the Superman costume, but not Wonder Woman. Sad me. Olivia would be so cute in that!
I am thankful for that trunk today because the kids emptied it and put on every costume they could get their hands on. In addition to super heroes, we have butterfly wings, a witch, an angel, a ladybug... the list is practically endless. We have also added Cameron and Olivia's Halloween costumes to the bin. Beastie dressed up as a fairy and Eeyore. Cameron only took Batman off to eat and to nap. He even went to the playground in the costume.
Another successful No TV day! For me too. I'm nearing the end of my book. I can't seem to put it down. I baked cookies and made a lentil soup which Cameron really enjoyed. The cookies were pretty horrendous, but I'll eat them. That's what happens when you try to make dessert healthy!
Happy weekend everyone!
I am thankful for that trunk today because the kids emptied it and put on every costume they could get their hands on. In addition to super heroes, we have butterfly wings, a witch, an angel, a ladybug... the list is practically endless. We have also added Cameron and Olivia's Halloween costumes to the bin. Beastie dressed up as a fairy and Eeyore. Cameron only took Batman off to eat and to nap. He even went to the playground in the costume.
The walk to the playground.
Batman flying by!
So mysterious.
Take a picture of me like this!
Ladybug girl!
Another successful No TV day! For me too. I'm nearing the end of my book. I can't seem to put it down. I baked cookies and made a lentil soup which Cameron really enjoyed. The cookies were pretty horrendous, but I'll eat them. That's what happens when you try to make dessert healthy!
Happy weekend everyone!
11/5/09
No TV November - Day 5 of 30
I think I'm going through withdrawal. Tonight is a great TV night for grown ups. Damien and Tyler are watching "Community" right now. I'm blogging and going to bed with my book (and my cute little kiddos).
Cameron has not asked for TV in two days. Olivia, as usual, did not ask either. We went to storytime at the library this morning. My friend Mzchef and I walk there every Thursday. Gail read "Where the Wild Things Are" and a book called "November". After the stories the kids traced their hands to make turkeys. Olivia wanted to cut her paper fingers off. I knew if I let her she would be sad after she did it so I kept saying, "Ouch, don't cut your fingers off." She didn't.
Cameron was at school today. When he came home, Olivia the napless wonder was acting like a maniac, which of course made Beastie and Cameron act like maniacs too. Thankfully I had to leave for work. I felt a little guilty about leaving Damien and Tyler with the Crazy Bunch, especially during No TV November. But the report was good. No TV, but lots of dressing up in costume.
The kids fell asleep in record time tonight :)
Cameron has not asked for TV in two days. Olivia, as usual, did not ask either. We went to storytime at the library this morning. My friend Mzchef and I walk there every Thursday. Gail read "Where the Wild Things Are" and a book called "November". After the stories the kids traced their hands to make turkeys. Olivia wanted to cut her paper fingers off. I knew if I let her she would be sad after she did it so I kept saying, "Ouch, don't cut your fingers off." She didn't.
Cameron was at school today. When he came home, Olivia the napless wonder was acting like a maniac, which of course made Beastie and Cameron act like maniacs too. Thankfully I had to leave for work. I felt a little guilty about leaving Damien and Tyler with the Crazy Bunch, especially during No TV November. But the report was good. No TV, but lots of dressing up in costume.
The kids fell asleep in record time tonight :)
11/4/09
No TV November - Day 4 of 30
Cameron told his Nana, "We are not watching any TV in November." What did Nana do? She showed Cameron the calendar month of November. "Wow, that's a lot of days," he says.
Eh, it's not that long. We're already on day 4 and doing quite well. In fact, Cameron woke up this morning and never even mentioned TV. We took our showers and our new thing now is blow drying our hair. All of us do it. Cameron, Olivia and I. Not Damien, he has no hair! Dressed and ready by 6:30 a.m. We put on some music and danced until Baby Cameron and Maria came to our house.
Damien and I had an appointment so we left the children with my parents. When we arrived home it was very apparent that the TV had not been turned on. There were toys everywhere! The kids were having a blast.
Damien is watching TV right now, but I am sticking to my personal restriction. I'm reading a really great book called "The Law of Similars" by Chris Bohjalian. I started it over a year ago, but now I have time to finish it.
I feel like I need an addendum to yesterday's post and disclaimer. I received a couple comments from two wonderful women and mommies that really got me thinking. Sometimes when I am writing I am trying so hard not to offend anyone that I think my point is not exactly on target. Here is the point I am always trying to make whenever I post about parenting:
Eh, it's not that long. We're already on day 4 and doing quite well. In fact, Cameron woke up this morning and never even mentioned TV. We took our showers and our new thing now is blow drying our hair. All of us do it. Cameron, Olivia and I. Not Damien, he has no hair! Dressed and ready by 6:30 a.m. We put on some music and danced until Baby Cameron and Maria came to our house.
Damien and I had an appointment so we left the children with my parents. When we arrived home it was very apparent that the TV had not been turned on. There were toys everywhere! The kids were having a blast.
Damien is watching TV right now, but I am sticking to my personal restriction. I'm reading a really great book called "The Law of Similars" by Chris Bohjalian. I started it over a year ago, but now I have time to finish it.
I feel like I need an addendum to yesterday's post and disclaimer. I received a couple comments from two wonderful women and mommies that really got me thinking. Sometimes when I am writing I am trying so hard not to offend anyone that I think my point is not exactly on target. Here is the point I am always trying to make whenever I post about parenting:
We are all in this together, whether we like it or not. We are all trying to do what is best for our families. While we may not all agree on the style or approach, as long as the motive behind it is out of love for a child, we can all learn something from each other. I am inspired by all of the wonderful parents I have come to know; friends, family, and bloggers alike. Stay At Home or Work From Home or Work Away From Home, we are all still Mommies doing what we need to do for our families. Keep being the best parents you can be!
11/3/09
No TV November - Day 3 of 30
Cameron was at school today. They don't have TV at school. When he came home, Cameron asked me twice if we could watch Curious George. Both times I said, "No, let's do something else instead." We made a snack and played a game.
As for Olivia, she never asks to watch TV. Today we went to a birthday party for her friend Brayden. The party was at the park and it was fun. Cold, but fun! Olivia was so excited about the gift we bought for her friend. It was an animal music CD and some little wooden animals. She loves to give gifts!
A couple people have asked (including my husband) why I am doing this. I guess I never really explained that. There are many reasons; some are personal and some are based on things I have read. First the personal reasons:
I really want my kids to stop asking me if they can watch TV. I think that one month without any TV, except those two special events, will really help accomplish this goal.
Like I have said, TV has never really been a huge focus in our home, but for the limited amount of time that it is on I always have this nagging feeling that it is completely unnecessary. I have heard a lot of parents say that it is the only time they can get anything done. I have said it myself. But why not get those things done with your children. I have learned over the years that my children love to help me. Even if it's cooking dinner, folding laundry or doing the dishes. They love to feel included in the parts of life that seem to be for "grown ups". I think that by turning on the TV just so I can cook dinner "in peace" is taking the easy way out. Nobody ever said parenting was easy, and I have never been one to do things the easy way! I do understand that the tasks take longer, and sometimes are messier and harder to finish, but who cares? We are together, and that is what really matters. Not to mention that the kids usually eat more if they took part in the preparation! Bonus!
If you aren't into the idea of "little helpers" set them up with an interactive activity in the area you are in, whether it is the kitchen or the laundry room, the garage or the yard. A play kitchen is great for "little helpers" who tend to make big messes with the real stuff!
As for the stuff I have been reading regarding children and television, it is like this: TV is not healthy for any child under the age of 2 or 3. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which is the main way that children learn. For children between 3 and 7 there is evidence that a limited amount of educational programming can benefit that age group. But, and here is where my personal feeling kicks in again, what is Elmo teaching my child that I can't? Elmo sings the ABC's. I can sing the ABC's, and I am way cooler than Elmo ;) Then, of course, there is the fact that children should be outdoors as much as they possibly can. Turning the TV on only guarantees that for that span of time children will be sedate, inactive and indoors.
Anyway, those are only some of the thoughts I have regarding TV. And, to be clear, I really mean all electronic media. Movies, television, computer, video games etc. No TV November is so easy! My husband has even conceded that it is a good idea. The other night we sat on the couch and talked for almost two hours without the TV on. It was wonderful!
***Disclaimer: This post is in no way meant to alienate or annoy or irritate anyone who chooses to allow a limited amount of educational programming for the children in their home. This is only meant to explain why I have chosen to turn off the TV during November (with the hopes of continuing forever!) If it bothers you, please, leave a comment, but also know that it is written with only good intentions.
As for Olivia, she never asks to watch TV. Today we went to a birthday party for her friend Brayden. The party was at the park and it was fun. Cold, but fun! Olivia was so excited about the gift we bought for her friend. It was an animal music CD and some little wooden animals. She loves to give gifts!
She also LOVES to help Daddy rake leaves.
I really want my kids to stop asking me if they can watch TV. I think that one month without any TV, except those two special events, will really help accomplish this goal.
Like I have said, TV has never really been a huge focus in our home, but for the limited amount of time that it is on I always have this nagging feeling that it is completely unnecessary. I have heard a lot of parents say that it is the only time they can get anything done. I have said it myself. But why not get those things done with your children. I have learned over the years that my children love to help me. Even if it's cooking dinner, folding laundry or doing the dishes. They love to feel included in the parts of life that seem to be for "grown ups". I think that by turning on the TV just so I can cook dinner "in peace" is taking the easy way out. Nobody ever said parenting was easy, and I have never been one to do things the easy way! I do understand that the tasks take longer, and sometimes are messier and harder to finish, but who cares? We are together, and that is what really matters. Not to mention that the kids usually eat more if they took part in the preparation! Bonus!
If you aren't into the idea of "little helpers" set them up with an interactive activity in the area you are in, whether it is the kitchen or the laundry room, the garage or the yard. A play kitchen is great for "little helpers" who tend to make big messes with the real stuff!
As for the stuff I have been reading regarding children and television, it is like this: TV is not healthy for any child under the age of 2 or 3. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which is the main way that children learn. For children between 3 and 7 there is evidence that a limited amount of educational programming can benefit that age group. But, and here is where my personal feeling kicks in again, what is Elmo teaching my child that I can't? Elmo sings the ABC's. I can sing the ABC's, and I am way cooler than Elmo ;) Then, of course, there is the fact that children should be outdoors as much as they possibly can. Turning the TV on only guarantees that for that span of time children will be sedate, inactive and indoors.
Anyway, those are only some of the thoughts I have regarding TV. And, to be clear, I really mean all electronic media. Movies, television, computer, video games etc. No TV November is so easy! My husband has even conceded that it is a good idea. The other night we sat on the couch and talked for almost two hours without the TV on. It was wonderful!
***Disclaimer: This post is in no way meant to alienate or annoy or irritate anyone who chooses to allow a limited amount of educational programming for the children in their home. This is only meant to explain why I have chosen to turn off the TV during November (with the hopes of continuing forever!) If it bothers you, please, leave a comment, but also know that it is written with only good intentions.
11/2/09
No TV November - Day 2 of 30
Instead of watching TV we:
**made breakfast
**danced and sang
**made spiders out of Play-doh
**read books
**played board games
**made brownies and cookies
**delivered snacks to TNFD
**gathered leaves
**made crowns
**helped each other clean the house
Cameron doesn't nap every day. Sometimes he just enjoys a little rest time. Today he rested for 30 minutes. He was wearing his watch and I told him that his nap would be over at 2:00. At exactly 2:00 he came down the stairs. He must have just stared at that watch the whole time! During Olivia and Baby Cameron's nap, Big Cameron and I played Chutes and Ladders. When it was apparent that Cameron was going to win he looked at me and said, "Let's play a game where there is no winning." Awww, that's so sweet. So, we played Obstgarten ("The Little Orchard") and then a peg game by Haba. Cameron made that picture without any help from me! He's a very observant child.
We also took loving care of this sweet boy. He is soooo adorable, fun, happy, and truly a member of our family. He didn't watch TV either, but he did watch his hands a lot!
11/1/09
No TV November - Day 1 of 30
My children do not watch much television. When I am home with them the TV is rarely turned on with the exception of the news. When they do watch TV, it is always PBS and mostly Curious George. This usually happens after nap time or right before dinner. I am sometimes guilty of using the TV as a way to get the kids to calm down and I know my husband struggles sometimes when I am away from the house in the evening. So, we decided that we would go one month without turning the TV on. Because I do not believe in putting restrictions on children that I cannot handle myself, I will also not be viewing television in November. Exceptions include Patriots football, Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Because we watch so little TV to begin with, I don't see this as a major change in the household. In fact, I doubt my kids will even notice. I am planning to blog about the activities we come up with and do together as a family instead of turning on the TV. The possibilities are endless!
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