On Saying No to Television {Part II}

"Mom, I want to show you a surprise," said Adeline, my 4 year old. She lead me to the growing watermelon plants in the back yard. This came a result of setting our television aside which I shared in Part I of this series. Here is the continuation of this journey.

"Look, Mom!" Adeline pointed to several of the tiniest little watermelon "buds" and many, many blossoms in our backyard. When we took television away (completely for a time, because we had to detox), we replaced it with activities that feed the mind. 

I wanted to share in Part II, how it is going. It has been great! We no longer watch online at all. We do, now, have the television back in the living room, but only to watch 1-3 hand-picked dvd's per week from our local library. 

We are now gardening. Adeline chose to plant watermelon. We are watching it grow.

We are swimming. We have a stand-up pool in the backyard this summer.

We are going to the park and the library weekly.

We are finishing up preschool lessons this summer too. Adeline has her alphabet memorized (both name and phonic sound) and is building words. She is completely done with level 1 phonics.

With all these other wonderful activities, Adeline rarely asks to watch television. Instead, she'll get up and ask to go to the library. 

As parents, we must guard our children, not only from the sin of the world (that has crept into advertisements and shows), but also from twaddle.

Twaddle is literature that is not rich, but in today's world, it is also entertainment which can quickly overwhelm a child.

It is heartbreaking to go into a public place and see a parent has given their dear child a phone screen.

They are missing out on parenting! 

Instead, they can talk to their child. Point out the beautiful day. Ask questions. Use teachable moments.

Do you see the wildflowers growing there? Help me push the cart.  Can you help mother put this in the cart? Say excuse me to the lady. Let's open the door for this kind man. 

I'm finding that Saying No to Television means taking twaddle away (many books and most screens are twaddle) and replacing with joyful activities that feed the mind and nurture the soul.

And, now, fellow homeschool mom, I challenge you to ask yourself, what twaddle do I need to take away, for myself or my child? What can I replace it with that will feed the mind and nurture the soul?