One Hour.
We have implemented a new TV schedule around here. This year especially, the amount of TV had increased due to a few new shows popping up. It was becoming difficult to motivate the kids to partake in activities that excluded the tube. Toys were not being played with, silly fights were being fought, brain cells were dissipating. I now only allow one hour of TV per day, with a little leniency on the weekends. AMAZING! It took them about a week to figure out what to do with themselves. They are now playing with toys that previously collected dust. They have created these intricate imaginary games and make believe stories. They have created a boat out their beds complete with a blanket ocean. They have blasted off into outer galaxies in an empty laundry basket with strainers for head gear. Kaya has even been a concerned Daddy feeding and rocking his tired babies to sleep. They do not ask for the TV, they keep busy and they are finally amusing themselves. We raid the library for books on tape and they relish such stories as Peter and the Wolf, the tales of Anansi, and Where the Wild Things Are. If they are getting too wound up, we take a ride and look at Xmas lights , or visit the museum, or aquarium. Board games are great as well for passing time. No one ever says no to a great book either. It was really probably the best parenting move I have ever done. I am astounded at the impact this has made on my children in such a short amount of time. It has also has affected the way I use my time as well. I am much more efficient in the way my tasks and chores are handled. Because I too am not sitting idle, I am completing far more in my day. Gives the the old saying "If only there were more hours in the day" truth. There are! and for my family it is time well spent!