Oh, Television

Today is Day Two of me doing everything in my power to distract Gabe from wanting to watch the television. Videos are included in this "TV Fast," but particularly Cable programs.

Why? Well, part of it's principle, I suppose; and realizing that I have fallen into the trap of turning to the television way too often to entertain my son (remember, we don't have a fenced-in yard for him to run around in, if that's any sort of valid excuse). The other part is, I'm tired of fighting with my son every time it's time to turn off the tube.

It used to be that I could monitor the amount of time Gabe spent watching a show; I'd set a timer, or I'd say "You can watch Sesame Street, then it's time to turn it off." And Gabe would comply for the most part. Lately, though, Mom has been supplanted by a higher authority: you know, that voice that comes on between programs, begging you to "Stay tuned!"? or "Don't go away!"?

PBS Kids Sprout, which used to be my favorite preschool channel (because it played appropriate programs all day as opposed to only part of the day like other channels), is the worst offender. My son will be in the middle of watching a particular show and halfway through an icon pops up in the bottom corner of the screen to let the viewer know what's "coming up next." So then Gabe gets all excited about that show. Then at the end of the program, often before I get the chance to turn off the TV, "the Voice" comes on saying "Don't go away! ____________ is coming on later. But first, it's ___________! Here on PBS Kids Sprout!" And if that's not enough, when I then ask Gabe to turn off the television (I always give him the opportunity to turn it off himself before I step in and do it for him), he quotes the whole message back to me! "But Mommy! 'Don't go away!...'" etc.

And it's not a whole lot better with videos and DVDs. Gabe has his favorites, and he knows exactly what is on each video or disc. And he expects to watch the entire thing in one sitting. I read a friend's blog, and once she mentioned how she and the boys will sit down for however much time they have and watch part of a video, then just keep coming back to it and watching it in increments until they get to the end. Now, why won't my kid accept this method? Well, I suppose it's probably my own fault, really.

But I'm turning over a new leaf now. I'm not going to let "the Voice" win. And if it means neglecting the housework in order to diligently redirect my son, then so be it. Though, I hope I'm still allowed to let him play on the computer, at least...