I forgot how nice it was

Feb 25

Posted by: Rachel in: blog, caleb isaiah, family, just another day in paradise, me myself and i, parenting

Last year, in April I think it was, I did a challenge to “unplug your kids” and turn off the TV for a week. It was a little weird at first, as we often keep it on for background if nothing else. It stays on Noggin all day, so somehow I justify it with myself saying at least it is commercial free and educational. After the challenge last year, I kept going for almost a month. I can honestly say it was an excellent month. Being that connected was nice. I remember noting at the time that the “terrible twos” were noticeably less. Kids enjoy your undivided attention for entire days on end. They have much less reason or opportunity to get in trouble when you’re there. I wish it was ideal 24/7. I guiltily admit old habits die hard. We resumed our background noise. Today the TV stayed off all day though. Caleb had speech therapy this morning (hooray it’s almost over!) and we just never opened the cabinet afterward. We played with cars and built a city on the train table. We played with a game that came in the mail today. We drew on the aquadoodle mat. The second I took my attention away to catch up with a friend on the phone, his good behavior dissolved into launching things through the air. But for those few hours, it was nice. Quiet. I know we should have more days like this. I once read a quote about homeschooling…just keep the TV turned off and the bookshelves full.