| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| AlyssaMarie |
Posted - Jan 05 2010 : 07:44:52 AM
Part of the decision was financial yes but more than that it is a choice to promote family bonding. We have been spending far too much time wasted in front of the stupid box. We're going to try and see if we can make it a full year. Wish us luck. Anyone else tried this before and have any ideas, especially about helping younger children survive?
AlyssaMarie @ Link'd Hearts Ranch
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| alterationsbyemily |
Posted - Mar 19 2010 : 07:11:42 AM
I love the idea of no TV. I love how calm my daughter is when its not on. Unfortunatly, my husband was raised by the television.... serious, he loves the movie the Cable Guy with Jim Carrey, because he feels that he relates to it! Bridget watches PBS in the morning Seaseme Street, Clifford, Dragon Tales and then Caillou (uggh bad boy, we talk about how bad he is all the time) I turn off the Television then and its a fun day then. If bridget is having a bad day, if she is sick or something, she can watch, but other than that I try to keep the television covered. She then can watch before she goes to bed if she didn't have a nasty day. I think she watches alot of TV sometimes, but she is just under three and can name all the shapes (including octagons!!) Count to 20 and say and write the ABCs. I think I might get my husband to download every Seasame Street Eppi, that way I can have more control. We have gone weeks without watching it, just because mommy was tired of it... but my DH will watch his Anime on his computer, which are violent and far too Sexually advanced....
In relation to another topic, I am the Ant and my hubby is a grass hopper. I want to make a box for the TV to sit in that way I don't have to look at it all the time!
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See my custom costumes, download free patterns, and hear some spook EVPs from Gettysburg, PA on my site, www.alterationsbyemily.com |
| Twinsmom |
Posted - Mar 10 2010 : 09:32:08 AM
We got rid of our tv service when our children were born one because of the cost and the other we did not want our children exposed to the garbage on it. We still have it and use dvd/vhs movies, our rule is it has to be a learning or family movie. Our children don't even miss it. When they go to other friend's homes they don't understand the commercials, they think the movie is switched back and forth!
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| solilly |
Posted - Mar 08 2010 : 4:39:21 PM
Well, I first gave up the tv in 1992 (October) when I got single once again. Then my new husband wanted it in 2007. When I showed him how much and how they kept rasing the charges He said I win so I had it cut off once more. The only time we would use it any way is in the winter. The rest of the year we are out side until dark and then it is to late and we are both to tired to set in front of that thing. Besides we both would rather read. Lilly 
learning the life I always wanted. |
| AlyssaMarie |
Posted - Mar 08 2010 : 12:35:27 PM
Very good point MariaAZ! I have noticed our online time has gone up. Althought not to the rate of the TV watching (I hope). Since we cut in Jan, there were a lot of programs that were mid-season. I have to admit I watch a few of them online to finish this season. But I find it pleasurable to not have the constant "Bad News" staring at me every evening. I think its contributed to me being more optimistic about life.
AlyssaMarie @ Link'd Hearts Ranch
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| MariaAZ |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 5:04:08 PM
We canceled our cable TV in October 2008. Since we didn't have an antenna on the roof we couldn't watch TV. We DID watch a few DVDs now and again, but then the TV broke about 8 months ago and we never replaced it.
As others have mentioned, we watch hulu.com if the urge strikes. DH was a major TV addict and occasionally wistfully talks about the history and science channels, but he rarely watches programs online.
I thought for sure that we'd be glued to the computer to catch our favorite programs, but strangely enough it didn't happen. We spend an awful lot of time online though, kind of like trading one addiction for another. Our reason for ditching TV was financial; cable TV was costing us quite a bit every month. I need the high speed Internet for work though, so as far as I'm concerned it's all OK. However, that is something to keep in mind; if you are looking to increase your family's togetherness time by reducing dependence on TV, you might want to keep tabs on online time too ;) |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Feb 28 2010 : 04:41:58 AM
I would not mind no tv but my hubby is also a tv addict. He comes home and the tv is constantly on. First thing in the morning and last thing at night. And the bad part is he's usually asleep! He does that in his truck. too, so he can sleep. Men. They are a mess. But this whole month of Feb. he's been gone so it's been nice. I do like the sat. radio stations. I listen to them alot because we don't have a radio in the house and couldn't get any stations out here when we did have one. SO I like that. And there are a few shows at night that I am addicted to.
I am happy for you and your family doing this, AlyssaMarie. Good for you. Is this an on going thing or just a trial?
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| KaleidoscopeEyes |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 8:00:01 PM
I too have been without TV for a couple months now. Since October I've been living on a boat and I haven't had cable TV. It was difficult at first, because my BF and I grew up on it. So we started watching a TON of movies and TV on DVD. After a while though I felt like I was just wasting my time doing that, trying to make up for not having Cable TV. So we stopped using our TV altogether, and it's been AMAZING! I actually have time!!! I've been doing a bunch of crafts, and it's really let me open my creativity. The ideas are following! And I've had a lot more time to spend with my BF, we talk instead, and I've been able to teach him crafts. I LOVE LIFE WITHOUT TV! |
| prairie_princess |
Posted - Feb 26 2010 : 10:44:51 PM
we've been without satellite or cable since last summer... and my hubby works for the parent company of DishNetwork! (shhh, don't tell... it's a secret). we were getting fed up with their service and prices. so now it's rabbit ears for us. i don't miss it a bit. my last two years of high school we didn't have anything. and to tell you the truth, i think it forced me, as a teenager, to use my creativity and get out there on my own to appreciate alone time with my brain. i wrote, listened to music, enjoyed the outdoors, i didn't get bored. and i don't get bored now, either. i manage to always stay busy. i do have DVD's, but they are a treat! i agree... most new tv shows are useless, mindless, and destructive. same with most new movies. so DH and i have resorted to watching old tv shows and movies through Blockbuster mail-in movies... much better!
"Only two things that money can't buy, that's true love and homegrown tomatoes."
- Guy Clark
"The man who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the world."
- Charles Dudley Warner |
| AlyssaMarie |
Posted - Feb 04 2010 : 4:57:39 PM
Well tomorrow makes one month without TV. Thanks everyone for your support and telling me how you've made it work. I realize this isn't for everyone. Having all of you to chat with does combat with some of the feelings of isolation. But all in all its been great!
AlyssaMarie @ Link'd Hearts Ranch
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| delicia |
Posted - Feb 04 2010 : 3:00:57 PM
We are going to get rid of cable after the Super Bowl on Sunday. I read most of the time and do not watch but, I do dearly love football. I have an only child who is deaf so he does watch the closed caption a lot but, he can watch movies and stuff. It will be interesting to see if I still like my husband with nothing to distract him.... |
| sarahf |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 10:33:06 AM
I am 21 and my family never had cable or satellite tv. We had a tv to watch movies on but that's it. I guess I never really missed it. I always liked to play outside a lot when I was little (I guess I still like to play outside just in different ways lol).
http://www.homemadelyesoap.net |
| Tammy Claxton |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 10:21:56 AM
I wish I could turn off my tv. My husband is a tv addict! He has to have his gearhead tv on and it drives me nuts......
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/
http://bigdogmom130.etsy.com |
| AlyssaMarie |
Posted - Jan 14 2010 : 08:52:14 AM
Well its been just over a week since the TV went dark. Here's what we've been up to: Read my MJF magazine cover to cover (as always), finished sewing a baby quilt for a friend, baked and decorated a cake for my friends baby shower, did a fun Bible activity lesson with the kids, cooked some amazing dinners, sewed patches on my son's cub scout uniform, my husband has been starting work on a website for our farm and I'm playing with starting a blog. Not too bad at all so far. I can't wait for it to warm up and dry out so we can go outside a little more.
AlyssaMarie @ Link'd Hearts Ranch
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| Sarahpauline |
Posted - Jan 13 2010 : 7:22:15 PM
I admire you so much for this decision. I am seriously considering it. I dont watch much, and what I do is on hulu or I could get it on netflix. I have to talk my son into it.
Re; secret life...OMGOSH. I am a VERY liberal and open person. Very little of that kind of thing ruffles me, and I have a matter of fact relationship with my son. HOWEVER. This program is just really ridiculous. They really sell these kids short, they have no other activities or goals, they literally talk about NOTHING else. Turn off the broken record. I dont want to hear it and I sure dont want kids under the impression that everyone is doing it because they are not.
Not all those who wander are lost...
www.SarahPauline.com
www.AbraxasBaroque.com |
| mommatracy |
Posted - Jan 13 2010 : 6:37:46 PM
When we moved into our last house in 04 we couldn't get satellite hookup for 2 weeks and it was heaven! So peaceful and calm. We talked in the evenings and read alot. It was soooo nice. Then satellite was hooked up and that was the end of that. My husband doesn't hear very well and he keeps the volume up pretty high. It makes me nuts. His TV can be heard all over the house and outside. It is insane. He loves the race channel, sports, Deadliest Catch. He could not live without the television. I could absolutely get rid of it. We have 5 televisions. The only time I really watch it is at night in bed. I just cannot sit long enough to watch a movie.
www.cottagebythebay.blogspot.com
~Trust in the Lord...but row away from the rocks~ |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 10:35:35 PM
I didn't have cable TV at home when my girls were teenagers. My youngest complained bitterly, I was the meanest mom in the whole world, she was THE ONLY ONE IN THE WHOLE SCHOOL that didn't have cable, etc...
Now she is on her own and has decided that cable TV is a luxury that she can get along without. LOL
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| Fiddlermom |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 7:25:45 PM
I think you have made the best decision! We don't have cable TV and up until 3 days ago, watched only dvd movies or old vhs movies for a couple of years now. I finally got an antenna from my Mom and excitedly hooked it up. I feel like we've been sheltered for so long from just basic TV. I can't believe what they show and say on just regular TV! We do watch cable sometimes when we go on business trips with my DH and stay in the hotels. Family is more important than stupid old TV! Your children may miss it for a little while, but pretty soon everyone will be used to being without it! We collect many family friendly programs like Little House on the Prarie and the Waltons. We joined Netflix and I've been looking for movies that is approved for family viewing by Dove foundation. Try having a "back in time" night and turn off everything and use candles and read or tell stories. Board games or a puzzle is fun in the winter. Summer will be easier. It gets dark late and kids can catch fireflies and make there own "lamps". Good luck! |
| AlyssaMarie |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 4:11:54 PM
I've been very excited by the amount of stuff I've gotten done in the last several days. I've felt so calm and at peace. I have been able to have great conversations with my kids. My husband and I have really been able to talk things through and formulate a plan for our farm this year. Oh and the silence... its refreshing!
AlyssaMarie @ Link'd Hearts Ranch
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| craftbug |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 10:50:08 AM
We raised our 5 without tv til they were in their teens.Then it was limited time and we picked what they could watch. We even went without a phone in the house for a while. Talk about peaceful! :)
Make my words soft and tender, for I may have to eat them. :) |
| Kayce |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 08:44:23 AM
I know what you mean about movies.
Lol, we have stupid movie night on Saturday Eve. We pick from the cheap bin $2-$5. We have watched SOME STUPID movies. However we have found that really old movies (before all the special effects) are quite enjoyable and funny
Learning to appreciate having a glass..not half full or empty..just thankful for a glass :) |
| peapicker |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 07:28:49 AM
Good for you. We went without a tv at all for about 4 years when we were still raising children. It was so much more peaceful. I turn it all off and listen to music lots of times. I like some classical and old fashioned hymns. We are deep in Texas so there is always country music available for lots of laughs in a lot of it. I usually like peaceful. What I really like is to open the windows in spring and early summer and just listen to the birds. I agree with nothing to watch on all of those channels. There really aren't many movies to watch either.... or at least ones that I like.
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Robert Brault |
| Kayce |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 07:16:21 AM
I was affriad that everyone would gravitate to their computers. We also have laptops for everyone. A couple things that help with that in my house is : they are not allowed in there rooms.
I just say "off the computers" lol...im the one thats on it most o time. (im addicted to MJF)
It is a funny sight at times when we are all sitting at the dinning room table with laptops up. Sometimes doin different things but other times we are playing a PVP game together. (The only one this household is allowed to play is very family friendly)
Learning to appreciate having a glass..not half full or empty..just thankful for a glass :) |
| ShirleyM |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 06:17:04 AM
We haven't had "tv" for over 2 years. We do watch movies, but have no tv service. We started out just putting our satellite on HOLD during the summer months and then decided it just didn't give us $80 worth of enjoyment anytime. We own, borrow and rent DVDs. Sometimes I worry that we have just replaced it with "computers"...everyone in my house has their own laptop. So instead of sitting in one room glued to the tube, we are in separate rooms glued to separate tubes...? We've tried to do "board game nights" etc. but our teenagers/young adults don't really seem to be into it...it's almost like they put up with it until we let them go back to their computers...not as much of an issue in the warm months as we are all outdoors and busy, but in the winter it feels like everyone is in their own cave around here :)
Shirley
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO_HOO! What a ride! |
| Annab |
Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 03:39:54 AM
The better decision we made was to go wireless on the computer and make it speedier. My nightly dial-up meltdowns were too much.
So these days, what w/ forums like this and Facebook? Who has time for t.v. If you need a fix and can't or don't want to spend $$ on cable? Try Hulu.com It's packed FULL of all kidns of free t.v shows and movies you can download.
Some evenings I get so preoccupied with FB, I'll look at the clock and it's already 9:00! |
| theprimitivepilgrim |
Posted - Jan 08 2010 : 09:27:42 AM
We have been without TV for almost 4 years now. We were worried we would miss the news/weather, and how our son, 10 at the time, would react. It turned out to be such a blessing turning off the TV, and we've never looked back. We too were worried about the programs that were on, and how they were influencing our son. There is peace of mind not having that worry anymore. And life without the nightly news has actually been nice too. Didn't realize how negative news reporting was getting and how we felt after watching it. We stay current with the newspaper, and aren't putting ourselves to bed at night on all that is going wrong in our world. We have all taken a new interest in reading, and it been great to share what we are reading, it has definately brought us closer as a family. We also play board games, and do a lot of crafting. Our son is 14 now and doing just fine. He enjoys writing, and would love to find a pen pal if there is anyone out there interested in exchanging letters with a 14yr old ranch kid. Sending you all encouragement in making this big decision~
Michelle |
