This week is National Turn off the TV week.
Parents are encouraged to shut off the boob tube for a full 7 days, and do a media fast with their kids. The benefits of this are that children will be more physically active, sleep better, and in my experience have less of the “I wants.”
photo credit: Skelekitten
I know it’s not easy for parents to turn off the TV, and in some cases it may be unrealistic (such as the TV free week I had a massive sinus infection and 3 kids under 6), but I’m a big advocate for reducing TV viewing even if you can’t participate in the TV fast.
The best way to cut back or turn off the TV is to make a plan. Fill up your days with fun activities such as outings to the park, the zoo, or playgroups, and fill up your evenings with crafts, stories, and snuggles.
Ideas for TV Turnoff Week
- go for a nature walk
- ride bikes
- drive to visit a faraway friend or relative
- visit a local garden, museum, or attraction
- make a huge breakfast or dinner
- make spring crafts
- paint a room in your house
- go on a hunt for the perfect burger, donut, or chocolate chip cookie (and keep a notebook with your ratings)
I’m sure it will be a challenge for me this week, but I’m committed to keeping the TV off. Some screen time might be permitted (especially for me! It is my job after all), especially when my oldest boards a plane for 4 hours this Wednesday.
What about you, are you planning on turning off the TV this week?
Kelly
Hah–it's true that things can get more energetic when kids are not around the TV. . .but some of the alternate examples you offer (getting outside, exercising) are also really good for people (kids) who have ADD–I sometimes think that the rampant ADD in this day and age is linked to all the time spent in front of the tube.
This is a great article. Our society has let technology & gadgets raise our kids. LET’S SHUT ‘EM OFF! đŸ™‚ Thanks for the article.
We actually did this a few weeks ago and we're still going strong. With maybe 2 exceptions, the kids haven't seen any TV in almost a month. It's amazing. They truly DO find other things to do.