Mommy Matters: Hi, I'm Christine, and I'm a TV-o-holic

Friday, December 17, 2004

Hi, I'm Christine, and I'm a TV-o-holic

I do love my TV. It's something I am ashamed of. The TV is always on in my house. Oh we aren't always watching it, but it is always on. It's almost like I can't stand to be without that background noise.

It was that way before I had kids. I actually sit and watch very little television, but I had a daily set of channels I turned on at set times because that's what I would listen to as I went about my day. Now that I have kids, they have picked up on it. They, also, don't really sit and watch a whole lot of television, but it's always tuned into something for them. It's just as bad, I know. I firmly believe that children need to stimulate their minds. Spiral and I prefer for them to have toys that require them to use their imaginations. And yet that stupid box is on from sun up until bedtime.

I have been making an effort lately to change this. Instead of TV shows we will turn on music for background noise. (This does mean more of this.) The kids enjoy it just as much, and for me, well... it's not any worse than listening to Jo Jo's Circus.

The TV has really gotten in the way of my reading lately, as well. (Well, TV, and blogging.) I've just gotten in the habit of surfing blogs and watching TV in the evening instead of reading. The other night I ~~was forced by the lack of a laptop in the house~~ decided to switch the TV off. CLICK It was amazing the change it made in the room. Suddenly I could hear the soft Christmas lullabies wafting from Little Man's bedroom. The Christmas tree seems prettier and the lights brighter with the holiday music. I instantly felt much more peaceful.

I brewed a tall cup of tea, and curled up near the tree under my favorite blanket and started reading that Christmas book I've wanted to read. (See sidebar for title.) I went to bed more relaxed and collected - and happy.

Oh don't get me wrong. I still can't live without my TV, but perhaps this little revelation of mine will encourage me to switch it off more often, and get back to that huge stack of books that awaits me on my nightstand.

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2 Comments:

I've got the same problem at my house. My daughter doesn't really pay attention, unless it has something to do with Elmo, Oobi or Dora. And of course, as you mentioned. Laurie, and her incredibly contagious songs. I go to work singing about Victor Vito and Freddy Vasco every morning. lol

Jennifer
www.undying-love.com

By Anonymous, at 5:56 AM

Christine, I have the same problem. I have a couple friends with kids that NEVER have the tv on...I just can't do it. I've gotten better now that it's Christmas-time - I've turned the tv off and opted to play some Christmas CD's. It just seems so quiet and dreary in here w/o it sometimes.

Also, I was going to send you an e-mail, but I'll tell you here...there's a new Titanic book that's just recently been released. The guy was on "The Today Show" a couple days ago. I'm sure you already know about it, if not, let me know, and I'll look up the info for you. :)

By Mel, at 9:50 AM

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Name: Christine
Location: Wyoming, United States
I'm the Mom of two. They drive me crazy. I love them dearly. I want one more. I'm not insane, yet. My hubby says I'm a snob with an inferiority complex. There is more to me than being a mother. I just don't remember any of it.

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