TV Free

Have you ever noticed how a television commands the space it's in? Even switched off, it manages to be the centre of attention - our eyes are drawn to it. This is how it was in our house at least. Early in the year 2009 we decided to give away our TV. Some of our family and friends thought this was a pretty cuckoo thing to do! Our home at the time was very open plan and it was hard to escape the noise and distraction of the TV. I'd get all these great ideas for how I could arrange our furniture but they never worked because of where the TV needed to be placed - everything always  pointed in that direction, towards the ugly silver box. This mammoth plug-in appliance with moving pictures was dictating how my rooms could be set up and it drove me nuts!!!

But that's only part of the reason why we decided to ditch our television. At the time Harry (6 years) really liked to watch TV if it was on, although he didn't pay much attention if it was switched off. His little sister (aged 3) was a completely different kettle of fish. She loved screen time and asked for ABC Kids all the time. Yes of course we were in control, and yes we said 'no' when necessary, but still...I couldn't help but imagine how much better it would be for my kids if they didn't have access to TV at all, you know the old saying, out of sight, out of mind.

So...we did it, we booted that over-sized energy guzzling box right out the front door and on to a new home. Yes, we went TV free. And you know what? It wasn't that difficult or traumatic. Life went on - peacefully. The kids didn't complain, they hardly noticed it missing after a while. And best of all, our lounge chairs were now positioned in a conversational manner - we could sit and look at.... each other!!!!

How do I feel nearly 5 years down the track? Well if I'm truthful, I do sometimes miss TV for myself. And I must be honest now and say that a screen of sorts has re-entered our life. Ben did end up bringing a TV back to NI from a trip he made to Australia two years ago because he bought himself I mean the kids a Wii console. BUT we still don't have a TV hook-up (our house doesn't even have a working aerial). Fortunately our current residence doesn't have the same open plan issues our previous home had. That means the TV screen is positioned upstairs in a play room, well and truly out of sight. It's used purely for watching DVDs and playing the Wii (which happens rather infrequently I have to say). Once in a while Ben and I down-load programs we are keen to see but we watch them when the kids are in bed.

I'm still happy my children have a TV-free existence, in fact it's now been so long they don't know any different. I really believe they are better off for it. I love that they never see ads or news programs. I love that I don't have to worry that they might switch on the TV and see something I deem inappropriate.  And yes I think they use their spare time more creatively.  We have full control over what they do watch, whether it be a documentary or a kids movie or mini series. We (the parents) are the quality control check officers. I like that, no I LOVE that a LOT. And yes I'm probably a bit over-protective about what I think constitutes suitable viewing - I make no apologies for that.

When do Harry and Till watch DVDs or play the Wii? Well on occasion they watch a DVD during the week after school, if they've had a particularly taxing day - but those opportunities are pretty infrequent.  Often we watch a family movie on the weekend and like-wise that's when we play the Wii. Often a timer is used to manage "screen time" (that's a whole other blog post) and luckily when I say "that's enough" my kids generally accept and move on.

I'm in no way suggesting everyone should go TV free. It works for us and I thought I'd share our experience! What do you think? How do you control TV watching at your place?

NB. You know, I wrote this blog post a week ago...but didn't press "publish". I'm not sure why. I guess I thought it was a bit far out. Then I read Elaina's blog post and thought....well why the heck am I holding back? We aren't the only TV free house after all!!!!!!!!!