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I became a single parent when my children were 2, 3, and 4. My children are grown now (41, 42, & 43) and have careers and children of their own.
When they were in middle school, we agreed to unplug the TV and retire it to the basement for six months as an experiment. This is what we discovered:
1. No one really missed it. We were too busy doing other things.
2. Today, none of us like watching television and neither do my grandchildren.
3. We took time to pursue creative outlets.
4. We bonded because we had time to communicate with each other instead of talking over the drone of a television set.
5. We are still a close bunch because of those formative years.
6. Education became a top priority and so did books.
7. I had a blast with my children because I had the time to spend with them doing fun things.
8. Instead of watching tv, they learned how to do laundry, cook, and take care of daily chores, so that when I got home from work, we could do enjoyable things together.
9. At least once a week we attended freebie concerts put on by students at the Eastman School of Music.
10. Everyone, including myself, got a college education plus! My oldest daughter is a medical doctor, my son is a speech and language therapist, my youngest daughter is a mother and hair stylist, and I have a master level degree in literacy. AND we all play a musical instrument.
My son has been written up in Downbeat magazine as one of the most accomplished jazz trumpeters in the world.
It all started by turning off the tv thirty years ago!
My Best,
Pamela Beers, M.S. Ed. Literacy
www.pamelabeers.com | 
