Sitting here working on my computer, my kids in front of the TV, I can’t help but ponder the following JuiceBox Jungle clip and wonder about my parenting skills. And I’m not the only parent caught in this situation (check out Diary of a WAHM on her thoughts)
[juiceboxjungle height=”327″ width=”320″ video=”iframe/embed/68752_2009-03-13-122952″]
More parenting videos on JuiceBoxJungle
I never, ever let me children watch TV. Along with working from home and taking care of the house, I stimulate my three kids with creative, educational and fun activities. In fact we don’t even own a TV since all I would do is dust it.
[RRRRRIIIIINNNNGGGGGG– sound of my alarm clock going off and waking me from my dream state]
Okay, yes I’d like to be one of those parents who could say I don’t let me kids watch TV and still keep a straight face. And though I may not admit to it openly to other parents, I do, on occasion let my kids watch the box [gasp].
Now we don’t subscribe to cable or satellite so usually what we do get is the public broadcasting stations like TVO or PBS. So at least I can be assured my kids won’t be bombarded with commercials. But even with commercial free television too much viewing can have an impact on my kids behaviour. Like a drug, they get hooked, craving more and more. And when they stop, yikes, the withdrawal can be painful for everyone. But sometimes it can’t be avoided:
Have a conference call for work and want to avoid the sudden outburts of urgent questions like why is the sky blue? CLICK on goes the TV
Trying to cook rice on the stove top, baste pork in the oven and make a tossed salad without having to mediate who was building with the blue LEGO first? CLICK on goes the TV
That being said, we do have TV Fridays. Assuming all homework is done, the kids are allowed to watch TV after school on Friday; a treat to kick-off the weekend. Friday’s aside, I like to avoid TV viewing with my kids as much as possible. So on those occasions when I’m caught in the TV / NO TV dilemma, I weight out the the options. Which is the lesser of the two evils? What will it be today? Screaming, fighting kids while you’re trying to get something done OR screaming, fighting kids after you’re done and when you’re ready to handle it. Decisions. Decisions.
You can see more parenting videos on JuiceBox Jungle.
Trying to balance life at home with my 3 kids (all under 7), while building my business and developing my writing. Oh and throw a load of laundry in and a dinner that isn't burnt. Wasn't working from home suppose to be easier?
Another day, another thought...or two. 
Posted by Book Chook on May 12, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I think the wonderful things is that you are aware, and that you do provide your kids with lots of great stimulation. All of us like to veg out occasionally and be passive, kids too. I truly believe so long as parents monitor what and how much their kids watch, it’s fine.
Posted by Better Than TV « Another day, another thought…or two. on May 28, 2010 at 1:06 pm
[…] spend so much time watching ‘stuff’. With 2 of my 3 kids at home with me during the day I wanted to avoid relying on the TV as a toy or an object of distraction (though when I have to make a call or I’m under the weather the TV becomes my kids’ […]