LBB has been having some issues with too much tv, but the needle that broke the camel's back was when he woke up at midnight the other night demanding to watch tv and not going to sleep until 3 am. That's when Mommy said "Enough!"
So...we're having a momentary tv turnoff for the next few days while LBB is awake. I did let him watch 10 minutes last night before bed as a treat and reward for helping clean up all his Hot Wheels (which is a big job), but tonight I'm going to see how he does without his usual bedtime tv. He hasn't had a problem with naps and skipping it...so we'll see. Send us good wishes that it goes well! :)
But...not having the tv on during the day is so nice. It was getting to the point that it was on just for the background noise sometimes, and to be quite honest, that drives me crazy! I don't like having television be that big in our lives, even if it is wholesome programming that he is watching. Not to say that we aren't ever going to let him watch tv, but we are making him go Cold Turkey for a bit until he can handle himself better with it.
Yesterday and today have had their share of "BOAT! BOAT! TV! TV!" (He loves watching his boat dvd), but I've stood strong and haven't given in, and we're seeing some definite improvement. There's been less fits. Lots more playing. And best of all...lots more reading! Just today (And minus naps, he's been up 5 hours), we've read 8 books! Curious George, Thomas the Train, and of course his Sesame Street Pop Up Book (twice). It's so nice reading with him...it makes this Mommy very happy. He's also painted a picture for his great-grandma. Played with play-doh. Helped me make flashcards for the first 2 weeks of preschool. And even played "basketball" outside at the basketball court (but that's another post.)
All in all, it's been a wonderful day, and it's not even late afternoon yet. I should've tried this "No TV" thing sooner. :)
Sounds familiar...we have had to cut Joel off of TV, too. He was becoming obsessed! So, I have been letting him watch a little when he gets up in the morning (gives me time to get going!) and then, no more! It seems to be going well for us. I hope it continues to go well for you!
ReplyDelete:) Thanks Jen! That's good to hear that we aren't the only ones! :) I think once we get him used to not watching it, we'll let him watch it after dinner for a bit...but the morning is a good idea. I do think if he can control it, a little in the morning and at night shouldn't be an issue. I know he loves watching it, especially Thomas the Train, so I don't want to take it away completely!
ReplyDelete