Comments on: Keep the Kids Busy without Television

By: Taylor at Household Management 101

Taylor at Household Management 101 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:00:22 +0000

I like the idea of room time. We really haven’t done that, and I think I will try to do it with my youngest. She doesn’t like to be out of my sight, and although I suppose it is flattering, it is also quite exhausting. She needs to learn some independence, while being in a safe environment.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:26:10 +0000

We’ve been TV less for almost 15 years! It was hard in the beginning, but now we don’t miss it at all. I got my news from the internet news – I can turn off the commercials. We watched lots of old movies. My children know some of the great past actors/actresses better than I do. LOL!

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:53:09 +0000

As for ideas of what to do, my kitchen is tiny, so while I’m washing dishes I often set her in her highchair with paper and crayons and let her draw pictures.

During morning clean-up time she helps me make the beds and put laundry in the laundry basket, etc. I find that as long as she’s occupied with simple tasks, I’m able to get things done just as quickly as I would if she were occupied by the tv *and* still spend time with her.

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:49:19 +0000

Lol–yesterday I had a couple students over a historical movie, and it was the first time my nearly two year old actually watched something.

I totally agree, there are so many better things for little ones to do than sit in front of a screen… it really helps them be creative and learn to entertain themselves better too.

By: Courtney @ Sister To Sister

Courtney @ Sister To Sister — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:16:35 +0000

Thank you for the great ideas! I am loving having the tv off, and surprised that my girls haven’t missed or asked for it at all! We will definitely be continuing this!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:05:34 +0000

Thank you for posting this. I think it’s super when we don’t watch tv. In fact, my parents took away our tv when I was 5 years old, and I have never had one since. I love it!! Though sometimes I do feel like I live in another planet because I don’t understand the commercials people talk about, actors, or tv shows. lol

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:20:29 +0000

Thanks for the excellent tips! I really like the idea of “room time” and the “playing-in-the-sink-while-mama-makes-dinner” is a fun idea too.

You’re right when you say, “the best things in life are usually the hardest things.” But taking the time to be creative and limit or eliminate television is so worth it…

By: Single Income Dual Kids

Single Income Dual Kids — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:12:24 +0000

Right on! Great idea on “room time”–the shower is my last tv holdout.

By: Rona

Rona — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:09:24 +0000

When we moved in January we couldn’t get cable. Talk about re-discovering other ways to entertain ourselves.
I actually spend time cleaning our home, cooking, exercising, talking with each other, etc.
Thanks for sharing.

By: Mrs. Petrie

Mrs. Petrie — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:14:19 +0000

I’ve been seriously thinking about how to reduce my little one’s tv time. Thanks for the thoughtful tips.