Turning it Off

TV

 

That's right, we've turned the tv off.  Not completely.  But mostly.  And it has to be one of the best parenting decisions we've made.

 

My house is quieter.  There is less chaos.  My children listen and follow directions better.  They get along with each other better.  And all the toys they have get a lot more play time.  The best part is we are having some amazing family time together and making fun memories.  Love it!

 

So what are we doing?  No tv in the morning before school.  The older boy usually wake up and play until breakfast.  They eat breakfast in the kitchen while Willy and I make our juice (another post).  They finishing preparing for school and will work together often to empty the dishwasher.  If Ethan is off that day, he will help me some, we'll play a game or two.  He'll watch tv for 30 minutes or so while I make lunch, but that's it. 

 

After Colton is out of school, they watch Wildkrats for 30 minutes then the tv is back off.  Colton will read then Ethan will do his sight words.  I really enjoy this time with them.  And I'm not competing with the television.  After dinner the five of us just spend time together.  Usually it's playing a board game or with some of their toys. 

 

On the weekends we are finding fun stuff to do as a family.  We headed to the art museum a few weeks ago.  And we had a blast!  The boys really enjoyed it, more than I had anticipated.   We've built a rice krispie treat train together, worked on Valentine's last week, and headed to the park if it's nice out. 

 

I am truly enjoying all of it!  I am having so much fun with my children right now and wish we had done this sooner.  My house has an overall different feel about it. The boys are noticing the difference also.  They don't ask to watch tv much anymore.  They seriously turn it off themselves after Wildkrats and head to the playroom until it's time to work on school work.

 

Here are some pictures from the Rice Krispie Treat Train adventure!  This was so much fun!!

 

At first it was just to see if we could do it, and if it would make a difference in behavior.  Now we've made some other changes also.  Good changes that are sure to be permanent.  I love it, I love it, I love it.