TV Challenge

Yesterday I read an article about a family that went a week with limited TV viewing.  They didn't do it to be super holy but instead to see if it was the cause of their son's sleeping issues.  I was intrigued.  I asked Chris what he thought about it and he was game to limit our TV viewing.  I know of families that don't have TVs or don't have cable and props to them.  We have a TV and basic cable in our house.  I don't feel that we are addicted to TV.  It is merely a crutch we lean on or noise in the background.   

There are three main reasons we watch TV in our house:

1.  When I want to dry my hair or put make up on I will turn on PBS and as long as someone is singing my son is interested in it leaving me the chance to quickly make myself presentable without having to pull Eli out of the closet or keep my lipstick out of his hands.

2.  3:00 is when Friends comes on TBS everyday and I love Friends.  When it was on NBC originally we watched it religiously.  3:00 is usually when I take my good mommy break.  Eli is usually eating a snack or playing with his toys and I'm watching Friends.

3.  Relaxing.  After Eli goes to bed Chris and I have our favorite shows we like to watch and just chill out.  There is something to be said for being able to enjoy a TV show with no 1 year old screaming just because he can or the possibility of getting a ball thrown at your head. 

After discussing it with Chris we decided that starting today and ending next Sunday we would watch the news in the morning, leave the TV off all day, and then watch only 1 hour at night after Eli has gone to bed.  I know, it may not seem like much to you do-gooders that don't watch TV at all but it might turn out to be a pretty big deal for this family.

I think this will probably be hardest for me during the day with Eli.  Don't get me wrong, he doesn't sit in front of a TV all day but, like I said earlier, it is often my way to keep him occupied while I attempt to do other things without his "assistance." 

So far in Day 1 of our challenge it has not been difficult.  We had the news on in the morning, then went to church, came home, ate lunch, and now Eli and Chris are napping and I'm updating this blog.  I'll keep you posted how it goes!