The TV Broke!

The TV broke, and the power truck has not come to fix it.  That's our story and we are sticking to it.

One week ago today, after speaking with our 3 year old's teacher, it seemed like maybe watching TV was not really benefiting the kiddos, and was possibly having some unintended consequences such as hyperactivity (not just normal toddler crazies), and a tendency to just act out the TV shows rather than create his own imaginative play.  So, last Tuesday, the TV broke, and we are not sure if the power company will be coming out to fix it. 

Our 3 year old attends a Waldorf School with an intense outdoor component, so when they say hyper, this is not trapped in a classroom crazies, it is more likey overstimulation, as he was watching TV right before school while we dressed.

We thought it would be a big struggle, a constant "I want to watch____" tantrum, but in fact, it has not been.  While he has asked a couple of times, there has really been no backlash.  Now, instead of crazy boys with the TV flashing and chattering away in the background, we have crazy boys with a silent background. Which means that in between the crazies, for those blissful moments when a puzzle or truck or book can hold their attention, we have quiet. Peace and quiet. Amazing for us, and I bet amazing for them.  Already we have changed out toys as we noticed they were staying engaged longer with their toys, so I have gone on the search for puzzles, and coloring activities.

We considered maybe phasing it back in, or setting strict 20 minute limits, but we both know what will happen.  It always turns into a demand for a specific show, with no flexibility. And then, the bargaining for "one more". Ugh... so why would we bother? If it aint broke, don't fix it.

Eric and I are still watching TV after they go to bed, which is nice, but I am instantly seeing that it winds me up, possibly making it hard to sleep. However, I will not stop watching until I bring closure to Once Upon a Time, Game of Thrones, and Vikings. Then, maybe we can talk!