[more than just M...]

After a very important part of my entertainment system (the DVD player- nothing works without it) died today, I am seriously thinking of going relatively TV free!

At the moment, I would be lucky to watch an hour a month. I hate it. I do watch DVD's.

DD watches far too much. She watches Foxtel or DVD's in the lounge, or DVD's in my bedroom. She doesnt know that free TV exists, let alone about ABC3.

My plan is that from now on, no TV in the lounge. Movies can be watched in my bedroom, but I wont be putting Foxtel in there. After 2 weeks, I will assess what I want to do. My hope is that I can cancel Foxtel and rather than cartoons, DD can have the occational DVD in my room, or the lounge.
The money saved from foxtel will be put aside to buy a smaller flat screen TV so I can get rid of the giant entertainment unit that is the focus on the room. Yes, there will be a TV there, but it wont be used very much. Only really for DVD's and no more than 2 DVD's a week (none on school nights). I wont be showing her ABC3. She wont know about cartoons even being an option as she thinks they are only on foxtel.

Does anyone alse have either a TV free house, or at least very minimal TV? What are your experiences?

I still want to be able to watch DVD's in the lounge for when a friend comes over for a girls night in. If something important happens where I need to watch the news, they will be available, however the house will be basically DVD only, no general TV.

[moodle]

We have a TV free house and have done now for 6 months. We literally do not have a TV and left it at our old house when we moved (we sold the house furnished and just chucked the TV in as well).

Our children are 5, 3 and 8 months and they are able to watch DVDs on the computer when we allow it. Usually this is one DVD every week/fortnight, though since it has rained for 4 days straight they have watched 3 which I'm not overly happy about.

We have seen a huge difference in our family since we got rid of it, but most people are shocked when they come to our house and realise we don't have any TVs in the house.

I don't judge anyone for having one but we prefer not to.

[*alpharuby*]

TV is generally an adults only activity in our house. And I agree that houses designed around television are a bit weird.

[callmeal]

We had a TV free house for about 3 years until this year. We watched DVD's on the laptop.

TBH, we kind of got the TV for DD, once she was born. Crazy I know - like it's something you'd want for your kids!
I guess partly because I was home so much and never really mastered the coordination to read while breastfeeding, partly because H comes home late and after about 8pm it really sucks being in a silent house. And then partially because it would be nice for DD to be able to see SOME programs - as it was my dad was showing her wiggles etc on youtube where the resolution was horrible!

Anyway TV free in busy lives with no kids was easy. You get a bit out of touch with what shows people are talking about and occasionally "have you seen the ad where..."... but not enough to matter. We tended to compensate by spending our wind down time on the computer instead, but that's cos we're geeks I guess.

Having TV has been a challenge. Not so much for me - I really only get the urge to turn it on for that half an hour wind down after DD goes to bed, or else that 'hit the wall' 8pm when H is still not home, DD is still up and I'm exhausted, and I just want some distraction for her - not that she really watches (she's only 1), but she is a bit less full on when it's on. Plus it goes off again if there's nothing on that I'm interested in. But it's been a huge challenge for H, because he CANNOT be in a room with a tv without it being on - even though we only have free to air, but even if it's total rubbish on he CANNOT turn it off. Most of his interaction with DD is now with the TV on. Drives me nuts and it's SO unhealthy for her.

So we are considering whether to get rid of it again. However it was getting hard - in 3 years we'd almost exhausted our local video store's stock of DVDs we actually felt like watching!

[upup]

We have been TV free for over a year. As PP I just never set up the TV in the new house. I just decided that it was becoming addictive and I was watching crap and I didn't want mt daughter missing out on me because of the TV. Since I have given it up I realised there are a lot more benefits to no TV.

- more active and easier to loose weight
- More time spent cooking yummy dinners
- More time outside
- Lots more reading and studying
- Better communication
- More fun when friends come over as the board games come out and everyone has a ball.


Downside

- More time on the internet
- messier house (more playing with toys ect)

You should definently attempt it - you will never look back.

[more than just M...]

I am getting more and more psyched for this!

Already I have noticed the toys being a bit more spread out. But right now she is brushing the Barbies hair, switching their clothes around and talking to them. She has been involved with them for at least an hour.

For those with no TV at all, how do you have your lounge set up? Can you post a photo? I am so used to the TV being the focus of the room that I am lost for how to place the furniture otherwise! As I have said, I plan to still have a smaller TV there, so I dont know if I should keep everything facing that way.

The thought of her playing with her toys rather than staring mindlessly at the box is fantasitc!

[upup]

I have always faced my lounges together even when I had the TV so that people would talk face to face rather than whilst staring at the idiot box.

If I was you I would put the TV in a non family room so it is removed from the everyday living areas.

[stylzies]

You have all inspired me and i think i am going to go tv free too. Thank you!
DS1 started school this year so there's no better time.

[more than just M...]

Will have to think about it. I dont have a family room, and only a small toy area off the kitchen, so that wouldnt work either.

I guess the only thing is to minimise the area. Small entertainment area (or even one with doors so I can cover the whole thing up?)

Stylzies - YAY! I am thinking that at 5 I really cant wait for too many more years before it would be hard on both of us. She is still really adjustable.

Well, DD and I have had a talk. I have decided that I am going to make a reward chart and that unless there are enough ticks on it, no DVD. And only for weekends.
She isnt too sure (said OK about it, but realisty has yet to hit). So far, her behaviour has been pretty good, helping when asked, less backchat. Mybe we are simply having a good afternoon, or maybe it is more than that.

And as a person who loves silence, it is fantastic!

[MightyMummy]

We didn't watch TV for 4 years at all, just the occasional DVD (mostly me when BFing and occasionally DS watching Thomas while I made dinner).

Now we occasionally watch Play School with DS and that's it really. No adults TV or any other kids TV.

Still watch maybe 2-3 short bursts of DVDs a week with DS. More in times of extreme weather or illness.

Honestly don't miss it.