31 Days: Limit the Media

This is the sixth post in the series: 31 Days of Intentional Parenting. Find all the posts in this series here.

Last week I took the girls to the doctor and the nurse asked how much TV they watch in a day. I instantly had this mommy-fail moment when I realized, wooooow, they watch way more than I’d like, and probably more than is “recommended.” My first thought was to explain that it’s because this has been a really tough pregnancy, blah, blah, blah, and that “normally” they watch less–but the excuses don’t really matter because I know I need to do better.

To my kids amazement, I grew up without TV, video games weren’t allowed, and the internet wasn’t yet, so my siblings and I entertained ourselves by going outside, reading books, playing games, doing craft projects, and using our imaginations.

I don’t think all TV is evil, and my kids have learned a lot from great websites like Starfall, and ABCya. But there is definite value in limiting screen time, encouraging imaginative play, and of course reading.

I’m curious, what’s your family’s philosophy on “screen time?”