So some of you already know, but my man and I decided to get rid of the TV for a year, just as an experiment. Since the effect is so great I wanted to share our experience with you guys.
In only 11 days we got so much closer together, listening to music or playing games at night. Having real conversations about the stuff we are interested in or experienced that day. We totally reconnected, without ever noticing we were quite disconnected. Just by looking at a screen almost every night.
But that's not all. We both have LOTS of TIME now for the stuff we're interested in. My man is learning to use a new camera (Rolleiflex, some oldie), I'm crocheting with all my attention. We both feel activated and are eager to learn new things. I am planning to finally learn how to use Photoshop and we're both reading more.
And then the kids... They get along better, are better rested, do much more creative things and play outside. (And they only watched for about half an hour to an hour a day). We play more games and have more quality time.
But most of all I feel much more rested and relaxed now. I never even noticed how much influence the TV had on me, and how it made me kind of stressed.
If you're still reading, you might think I'm a total whiner (which is not my style at all!!), but I still wanted you guys to know. You might wanna give it a try!
Have a relaxing day!
I think that's lovely. It's something I've tried to implement in the past, I think I need to be more firm and say "no TV!". It is so easy to waste hours every evening in front of flickering images and you're right when you say that you can become more disconnected to your loved ones when you've got something to fill in the silence - there's less need make the effort! It's all about quality of time together and I think it's brilliant that it's had such a positive impact on your family! x
ReplyDeleteWat goed zeg! Ik zou wel willen maar ik denk dat de rest van mijn fam. het hier niet mee eens is. Hoe je het zo omschrijft lijkt het mij heerlijk om zonder tv te leven, zoveel meer tijd en je komt idd meer tot elkaar.
ReplyDeleteDoe je goed!
Excellent! I am a much bigger fan of media where we are able to produce something (blogging for e.g,) rather than just consume such as TV. TLR photography is great! We collect old cameras and also have a vintage Voigtlander and Brownie. What type of photography does he indulge in?
ReplyDeleteWe have a t.v. but we hardly watch it. We don't watch any news at all:) We have Net flicks and we will watch a movie together on the weekends...I have two kids a 19 year old and a 16 year old..and guess what there is never any complaints:) :)
ReplyDeleteRenee
So nice you all feel that way. And to Janey, just put it somewhere where it cannot be used. It's in our attic now and we have no cable anymore. If it's still there it doesn't work (I always am to tempted after short period of time).
ReplyDeleteI can recommend it to everyone!!
Wow!!! I would like to try it! I think it would be so good to my family, and I am sure I can do a lot of things, creative things!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI think what you have done is GREAT. 95% of the time TV is a total waste of time. I find too that when we don't watch TV (we have a rule no TV for during the week at all for the kids, they never even ask!) it's bliss. they play, we bake, we play games and besides they have too much homework to even think about turning the TV on.
ReplyDeleteHubby and I have a "no TV on Tuesday night rule" that is when we talk and just spend time together as a family and after the kids go to bed, with each other.
I personally am not a big TV fan anyway. I have my one or two programs I watch (recorded for when I have time) otherwise I am not a "flipper". Unfortunately hubby likes TV, it de-stresses him he says. But I think he could see he needed to cut down! If it were up to me, I would get rid of it!!
So I congratulate you!
I didn't expect so many positive comments! I want to say that my man resisted for over a year, maybe more. I wanted to get rid of it for ages. It's just, you need them to get used to the idea. Say it every now and then, how you would like the tv gone and why, and maybe after a year or so, he will think it was his idea... At least, the men I know work that way. Haha. Just give it time!
ReplyDeleteJust checking in to see if this is still working for you. I'm thinking of doing it also.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to get rid of the TV! I can well imagine that the quality of your lives is totally transformed and improved! I do have a TV, but I live alone most of the time, so do appreciate some programmes. However, some days I don't even look at the programme because I prefer to read or crochet quietly! It's easier not to turn it on when you live alone in the apartment!
ReplyDeleteYes, our lives did improve by this decision... Although we still watch movies on the laptop we spend most of our nights much more productive. Our girls almost never miss it. I'm still quite pleased with it and don't think the tube will be back any time soon... But I do understand it's different when you live alone. I like to watch a movie every now and then during crochet or finishing off...
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