'Living Simply' with children

emslovesmickey

Mojisola wrote: »

It doesn't have to be either/or.

We did all sorts of exciting outdoor things with our kids but we still enjoyed watching TV as well.

I wasn't suggesting giving up tv merely posting a link. You are absolutely right, a balance is fine. And even if someone was to stop their child watching tv, they can't stop them watching it at their friends houses.

Araboo27

No, you're right. I just think that it would be an interesting experiment for myself as well as the children. Plus I'd save £25 a month on the TV license and could sell the iPad :-P I've already sold mine!

pukkamum

Araboo27 wrote: »

I didn't say there wasn't anything educational or good to watch - I merely said that TV can't teach anything that myself or their teachers can. Instead of watching a documentary about a fox for example on TV why not go and explore nature, take a trip to the library to find out more about them, visit a wildlife centre?

Wow - I posted on here for support from like minded people, not to be criticised or judged for my opinions or lifestyle choices. That wasn't aimed at you by the way Mojisola!!

Are you really going to do this everyday of the weekend or in school holidays, do you have the time to constantly stimulate, educate and entertain your children?
My kids are avid readers, keen walkers etc but they do enjoy as I do a snuggle on the couch on a wet and windy sunday afternoon watching a film.

Goldiegirl

Mojisola wrote: »

I'm amazed that you don't think there is good stuff to watch on TV!

You might be able to read a book about animals but watching David Attenborough getting close to and explaining about a particular species is a very different experience.

The TV is just one part of a whole learning experience. What's in a book might make you want to watch a particular programme. The programme might lead on to looking up more about the subject on the internet. That might lead to a more in-depth book being read or listening to a radio programme.

Just look at the wealth of learning available here in the Documentaries, History and Science & Nature sections - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcone/programmes/schedules/north_west

There is a load of junk on TV ...... But there is also a wealth of fantastic, entertaining, informative and thought provoking programming.

I have no problem understanding when adults decide to lead a TV free life, it's their decision, and they often still have computers so they do end up with some on screen entertainment

But in my opinion it's rather unfair to impose a TV free life on children, unless they are in agreement with it as well.

TV is a major part of modern life and culture. They'll be missing out on shared events, like the Olympics, and if they perceive that something is being taken away from them, they'll be resentful.

And where does it stop - the xbox will go - what about the Internet? The net is almost essential in this day and age.

Much better to keep the screens, but to exercise parental control over what is watched.

Araboo27

Jesus - why am I being slammed as a parent?! My three children are well adjusted, well behaved and very happy. I am a good Mother and, in my opinion, have the perfect balance of discipline and being easy going and fun.

Just because I suggest something different to the norm I'm jumped on and branded as incompetent and unable to 'control' my children?

pukkamum

Araboo27 wrote: »

Jesus - why am I being slammed as a parent?! My three children are well adjusted, well behaved and very happy. I am a good Mother and, in my opinion, have the perfect balance of discipline and being easy going and fun.

Just because I suggest something different to the norm I'm jumped on and branded as incompetent and unable to 'control' my children?

Err because you said you were unhappy with the language and behaviour exhibited that they had seen on tv or heard on inappropriate games but you couldn't tell him he couldn't play it.
That to me is someone who is struggling to discipline and or control their child.

Bella73

Sounds a but extreme to me. Surely it would be better to limit their TV time so they learn boundaries rather than nothing at all.

We were never allowed to have chocolate growing up (no I'm not kidding) as an adult I'm a total chocoholic. Banning things totally can make them more interesting so you might find as they get older (not sure how old your children are) that they spend a lot more time at their friends houses who do own a TV.

WantToBeSE

Araboo27 wrote: »

Jesus - why am I being slammed as a parent?! My three children are well adjusted, well behaved and very happy. I am a good Mother and, in my opinion, have the perfect balance of discipline and being easy going and fun.

Just because I suggest something different to the norm I'm jumped on and branded as incompetent and unable to 'control' my children?

I wouldn't worry about the opinions of a bunch of random strangers online. I KNOW that i am not a perfect mother but my children and I are healthy and happy and that's what matters :-)

Araboo27

pukkamum wrote: »

Err because you said you were unhappy with the language and behaviour exhibited that they had seen on tv or heard on inappropriate games but you couldn't tell him he couldn't play it.
That to me is someone who is struggling to discipline and or control their child.

I've barely got the energy or the wish to reply to this ridiculous comment which has taken what I've said completely out of context. You're obviously the perfect parent who has never slipped or made one mistake, EVER. Get real.

I was taught that if I didn't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all - obviously not a value you care for.

As I've said previously, I came on here looking for like minded people, you're not one of those so don't bother posting.

Mojisola

Araboo27 wrote: »

I really want to get rid of the TV first but I'm dreading it, lol. I know the reaction will be horrific!! My eldest has got Xbox games on his bday (in dec) and xmas list - how do I deal with this? No TV obviously means no xbox, lol....unless it went to Nan's house but to be honest I just want rid of it all.

The boys are using language that I hate purely because of hearing it on tv or computer games and I'd rather it all just stopped.

I feel like they have grown up far too quickly and I want to put a stop to it before it gets any worse.

Araboo27 wrote: »

Jesus - why am I being slammed as a parent?! My three children are well adjusted, well behaved and very happy. I am a good Mother and, in my opinion, have the perfect balance of discipline and being easy going and fun.

Just because I suggest something different to the norm I'm jumped on and branded as incompetent and unable to 'control' my children?

Same poster?