A Recap of Turn Off the TV Week in Our Household (by Elizabeth)
As we wind down from Turn Off the TV Week, I want to share my own “Turn Off” story. I am proud to say that I did not go to the airport this week and therefore I was not bombarded by the televisions throughout the concourse or on the planes. I also did not treat myself to a nice lunch in a fancy department store like Saks or Neiman’s where there are multiple screens to entertain diners. Nor did I go to the gym, which is unfortunate in a lot of ways, but I was spared visions of the Food Network while working off that dessert from the night before.
My children did not watch television because of their homework and after school activities. Saturday morning cartoons remain to be seen (pun intended).
We’ve listened on the radio as the Mariners won three games in a row! The sound of the announcer's voice brought back memories of my childhood listening to the Houston Astros on the family's transistor radio.
As for my own Internet use, I kept my promise and used the Internet sparingly, though I was tempted on many levels to just “check” a few of my favorite sites.
To my fellow mothers of challenging children: Whether you honored Turn Off the TV week or not, you deserve a pat on back for simply making it through another week.
A special thank you to Mom Unplugged for her Turn Off the TV Challenge. Read more of her blog at http://unplugyourkids.blogspot.com.
Comments
I am so glad that you joined us for the challenge!
You bring up a great point: it is very hard to avoid TV in public places these days. I intend to write about that in the near future.
The radio is a great substitute and it allows the use of more imagination than TV. For me, the internet was a very hard one to avoid...I will post about that experience on my blog!
Thanks again for participating, and for the great feedback. I am happy to have "met" you!
Posted by: Mom Unplugged | April 30, 2007 9:23 PM
I am enjoying your blog here. Lots of good ideas and I need all the help I can get! :)
Posted by: cloudscome | May 2, 2007 3:09 AM
If you haven't got fuel enough to inspire further boycotts of television, I would recommend Jerry Mander's book Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television. While its focus is not strictly on the effects of TV on children, the negative impacts on all ages are reason enough to consider his arguments. Besides, when society as a whole, our culture, our collective subconscious, and our ideas of free speech/free thought and democracy are clearly and frighteningly threatened by a technology that was originally envisioned as "a great communicator," what chance do children have of escaping its influence?
Posted by: John | May 3, 2007 10:51 AM