TV's effects on your family: Lessons from the Easter Egg Hunt
It was the big Easter Egg Hunt. My friend Christy and I lined
up with the other kids. We all gazed greedily at the field of
goodies before us. "GO!" yelled the announcer. En masse we
rushed forwards. For some reason, everyone veered to the left. I
stopped. I glanced at the untouched feast to my right. I ran
right, gleefully scooping the candy before the rest caught on.
At the end, I had a bagful of candy. Christy, who had followed
the herd, had one piece. I was eight at the time, but I never
forgot that day or its lessons.
What did I do differently from the other kids that day? I simply
stopped. I stopped, looked around, and analyzed the situation.
And I left the herd. I saw quickly that it was to my advantage
NOT to follow the herd that day.
Leaving the TV herd
In 2003 I left the herd again in a much bigger way. I got rid of
my TV. I am one of those rare few that do not have a TV, by
choice. And I am reaping the benefits of being TV-free.
The reason? In 2001, the kids and I were without TV for several
months. Like I did when I was little, I stopped. This time I
took notice of the changes in my children and myself during the
time we did not have a TV. Then when we got it back, I took
notice of the changes again. Based on my observations, I decided
we were better off without a TV. Stop and observe YOUR family
But it does not matter what TV does to me or my kids. It does
not matter that numerous studies show TV's links to obesity,
illiteracy, consumerism, etc. The real question is: How does TV
affect you and your family? Find out by stopping and observing.
Zombie kids
Stop and observe how your body and mind react to TV. Look deeply
into your kids zombie-like eyes as they watch TV. Compare that
to the look in their eyes as they play outdoors. How do you and
your spouse look when watching TV? Take pictures if necessary.
Take note of how your children behave after they have spent the
afternoon in front of the TV set. How do they behave after
playing with their friends? How well do you behave after
watching several hours of TV? Your spouse? You may need to get
an outside opinion for accuracy.
Consumers 'R Us
How do your children behave at the store when confronted with
the cool blue gizmo that has been advertised for months on TV
commercials? Are they whining and begging and nagging
incessantly for that gizmo? How much extra money do you spend
chasing the latest fads and fashions, as shown on TV?
Feelin' Groovy
Observe how much you really remember of that educational program
you just saw. How well do you remember the last book you read in
comparison? Test yourself. Stop and consider how you feel after
watching several hours of television. Do you feel alert, happy,
and energetic? Or do you feel lethargic and depressed and ready
to turn the TV back on? Keep a diary to get an accurate
assessment.
Family Time?
Most importantly, monitor the number of hours you and your
family spend in front of the TV per week. Is it 20?...30?...40?
The average American spends 28 hours per week in front of a TV
set. How much do you watch? Now ask yourself: Is this how you
really want to spend your time? Is this how you want your kids
to spend their time? By age eighteen the average American will
have spent three full years in front of the TV? By age seventy
the total is 11.67 years.
Stop and think if this is what you really want out of life. I
did, and I got rid of my TV.