Now that most of you are (hopefully!) done gasping from surprise, I will share the benefits I enjoy because of the decision we've made to go without cable TV.
- It is easy to monitor what goes in my children's ears.
- I have complete say in everything they watch, while allowing them the freedom to choose whatever they want to watch during allotted TV-time because I buy the DVD's.
- My children spend more of their time away from the TV. This is like automatic limitations, because of the out of sight/out of mind concept.
- When we do watch DVD's, I am able to pause whenever I want to ask my children questions about what they are watching. This helps them with comprehension of storytelling (and patience because I am not allowing them to veg out like zombies while watching).
- I am able to supplement the program's content with additional related activities, like Alphabet Bingo or story time with a related book.
Now, let's hear from some experts.
Baby Center recommends that we:
- Limit the amount of TV our toddler watches.
- Watch programs, not television.
- Choose calm, quiet programs.
- Watch with your toddler.
- Help your toddler watch with a critical eye.
- Extend the show's content with activities or books.
Forever Families recommends these practical ideas:
- Get a TV Guardian to block inappropriate language from your television.
- Consider buying a televison that has teh V-Chip to block shows with harmful content. (All televisions manufactured since January 1, 2000 are required to contain the V-Chip.) For more information, visit the V-Vhip website.
- Consider movie and television ratings but don't trust them to tell you what shows you should or shouldn't watch. Those who set the ratings may not have the same value system you do. Before watching a movie, check various resources to make sure the content is appropriate. For example, talk to a trusted friend who has seen the show you are considering. Or check www.screenit.com or www.familystyle.com.
- Get a filter for you Internet access. Filters block entrance to websites that contain inappropriate content. Many different software programs and internet service providers offer this service.
- Talk with your children about the shows and advertisements you see with them, comparing what is portrayed on the screen with real life. Your children will benefit as you communicate with them about the media and its influences.
More Resources for Families using everyday technology:
I'm sure that some of you are wondering what my husband and I watch when the children are sleeping and I do have an answer for that.
- RedBox Movie Rentals
- Blockbuster Movie Rentals
- Hulu Shows and Movies
- Movies out of our Movie Collection
RedBox has a lot of promotional codes online. Many times, if I check online before I head out to a RedBox machine, I can rent movies for free.
Blockbuster is our option, when we don't see anything we like, or want to watch things that are not available at RedBox. Blockbuster has movies for rent at $0.99, $2.99, and $4.99.
Hulu has many options to choose from. There is the free version of Hulu and a paid version called Hulu Plus. Both are great. Hulu Plus is affordable and a great alternative to cable TV.
Our movie collection is usually the last option we pick. It is not that we don't have a good selection, it is that we go there when we are pinching pennies, don't feel like going out to rent a movie, or don't like the selection available to us. We pick this last because we usually want to watch something we haven't seen before, but there are definitely times where we pick a movie from the collection because we feel like watching that over any other option.
Maybe to some people this option may be old fashioned, but it is definitely open to more ages than just the old! I am 26 and by no means consider that age old. Making the decision to keep cable TV out of our home has helped us keep our family pure. However, if you feel that this decision is too drastic or not for you, there are tools out there to help you keep your media usage under control. The idea is to use the TV responsibly. The television should not be your only form of entertainment.
I hope that this has shined some light on responsible use of media in the home. It is a decision to be made. Make your decision and do what you need to do to follow through with it responsibly.
Happy Homemaking!
