Wednesday, May 29, 2013

TV Time, less is more

Since deciding to homeschool and with the oncoming summer, I knew that TV was a problem in our house.  Mainly with me, I was addicted and it was really all that kept me awake while nursing in the early days.  I have also adopted a new motto, instead of taking life as it comes, I really want to make life and moments happen for y family. So to start, we instituted no screen days (except for educational computer time or TV documentaries at parental discretion).  On top of that, I have given each three 30 min screen time cards only valid on Tuesday or Thursday. If they want to play games on my tablet, wii, or watch TV they hand in the card and I set a timer.  Riley used 2 yesterday and Elise none, she was smart to appeal to his sharing nature and they played Wii together.

I have to say that I am happy with the outcomes so far.  Here are some games that Bug and Peanut have made up:

Sweetheart (they talk and call each other sweetheart)
Store: Bug has sold her toys, insurance and much more but Peanut does not always get it
Make Monkey smile
having pretend phone conversations with each other and Felisa and Eric (somewhat random, I know)
push Monkey in the stroller while mom is pulling weeds
use baby floor gym as a rocket ship
pick up the money, again and again and again

I am sure there are more, but this is what I have witnessed in three days limiting the TV.  We are a little more lenient on weekends and while we are currently in the process of moving. However there will be no TV in my kids room in the new house due to space and rule enforcement.  I am really excited about our new family adventure, hoping to make us closer as a family and the kids more a part of the family unit.  Bug has really come around in a few short days with his attitude and I am happy to see him accepting the new rules and even taking them to heart. Peanut has been a little resistant and having a few three year old meltdowns, but all in all has been well behaved.  Tomorrow we go to the first summer movie, alone with all three kids.  Wish me luck!

2 comments:

  1. Wow, those sound like great ideas to bring more wholeness and value to your family's life together! We are so honored (and tickled) to be a part of it. What a great mention. :)

    p.s. Eric is interested in what we say back

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    1. I don't get to hear that part of the conversation. Riley was asking if you got his text message and Elise just kept saying hi to felisa

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