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In my experience, the kids with parents who outlawed tv and video games were the kids who couldn't be coaxed into playing when they visited. All they wanted to do was sit in front the fruit that was forbidden in their homes.
Sure, it's only natural.
But how much time do they spend "visiting" and how much time do they spend in their own homes doing something other than "electroniquing" ?
I do see reading, writing, playing games, instrument playing, lego building, talking with siblings, hey - even fihgting with siblings (this is preferable too), or just plain day dreaming - when TV and electronics do not exist.
Think about it: at some point the kid has GOT TO find something to do with himself if eyes are not glued on a screen. Mission accomplished.
They know that I can't forbid those things in someone else's house. It's too much trouble and I wouldn't want to impose my beliefs and practices in the home of someone I visit anyway - even though I truly believe I am 100% right and they are 100% wrong.
It won't kill my kid to watch some extra TV or play a video game when he visits.
They know it's OK to do it then - just not in our house.
What they get used to doing on a regular basis at home - this is where my concern lies.
An entertaining book about what happened when an Australian (ex-pat American) mom disconnected herself and her wired teens for six months. Inspired my annual e-sabbatical. It's good to take a regular break. Try it and see what develops.
As for the kids, it's summer, so there's plenty for them to do, and there are no academic requirements for connectivity. If this is really a problem, tell the kids the TV needs repaired and move it out for a month. They'll fuss and fume for a few days, but they'll soon adjust, and you'll be absolutely amazed at their creativity.
I completely understand what you're saying. However I was thinking more along the lines of making them want to get away from the TV.
I totally get this. Come up with plans that take them away from being "Plugged in". They aren't doing anything that other kids their age aren't doing, it's normal for them. I don't know where you live, but when I notice my kid (and her friends) are spending way too much time on TV, computers, etc...I get on my computer (LOL) and look for nearby walking trails, etc...anything outside and I plan outings. Also include museums, zoos, etc... . I realize most parents are very busy, plan stuff for when you have some free time.
As an adult who spends too much time in front of a computer some days, I certainly understand this.
Limit their time in front of the electronic screens. However, you'll probably need to participate directly and take them to the park to run around, throw a ball, or to help with grocery shopping.
Not sure what interesting ways you can make non-TV, vg, and PC games, but I'd like to see what others can suggest about this. For food for example, I hear that you can put cheese on veggies to make them more tasty.
Sometimes you just have to be a parent and set and enforce rules even if the kids gripe and complain.
But also, you could use the no TV, computers, etc. time to o things with the kids. things such as playing board games (remember Uncle Wiggly or candyland, or chutes and Ladders?); or playing ball; or just spending time hunting bugs in the yard or taking a nature walk around the neighborhood. Or even reading a book to them.
Hello everyone, I just recently joined the forum. Just a quick introduction, I'm the father of 4 children. 3 girls and 1 boy... ages ranging from 5 to 7 (5 year olds are twins). Anyway, they love watching TV, it's nearly impossible to get them to go outside or pretty much do anything besides sit in front of the TV. I've been trying different things in an effort to break this. I've come up with a few which I shared on my blog. Not sure if I'm able to link the article as I'm new and don't want to be considered a spammer. I was wondering if anyone else had some suggestions. It drives me nuts, when I was young I would stay outside until it would get dark and my parents forced me to come in.
The fastest way to get children and adults away from the television, video games and computers is to unplug them or just turn them off and set down new rules.
Be the parent in the household, turn off all of the gadgets and tell the children they are not allowed to use any of the gadgets unless they have permission.
Then permission will be given if chores are done, homework is done, showers taken, teeth brushed and flossed, etc., etc....
Since you are their parent you control the household and the children so start parenting and start controlling.
It is important to be their parent and not their friend.
You have to show discipline in your life and they will accept you life style if it is consistent.
If you are attempting to train with inconsistency you will fail.
What sort of activities are you doing outdoors yourself? What do you do with them?
Have you taken them out to learn about nature? Do they actually have things they can, are allowed, do in your yard/neighborhood or do you just expect them to sit outside? What sports equipment do they ave access to?
We play frisbee with them, play soccer, fly kites, ride bikes or scooters around neighborhood, slip n slide... all kinds of stuff in the backyard. At night we go out and roast marshmallows. Last year we moved into our home which sits on 2 acres, I would have died to have such a big yard as a kid. I love doing all this stuff but it seems they lose interest after a short amount of time and start complaining.
They have access to all kinds of sports equipment, bats, balls, golf clubs, football etc... I actually just got my step-son interested in rocks, which I didn't expect him to be interested in. I was going through my stuff and gave him the rock collection I had as a kid, he spend hours looking through them and learning a bout them. My daughters love birds, we took them to a zoo a couple weeks ago that allowed them to hold little sticks with bird food on them and the birds land on the sticks.
What complicates the situation a bit is placement is shared between my ex-wife and I and she pretty much parks them in front of the tv all day.
"it's nearly impossible to get them to go outside or pretty much do anything besides sit in front of the TV. " was created by you.
You can put an end to it.
I disagree that it was created by me. They are allowed to sit in front of the TV all day by my ex-wife's house. If I were to have full custody I don't believe this would be as much of an issue.
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