The Experiment
I have always been addicted to TV for as long as I can remember.
It's probably one of the main reasons I became an actress. Growing up, I remember our family TV being on all the time. I can do everything while watching TV. Fold laundry, cook, check email, get dressed, all while keeping one eye glued to the TV. It's quite a skill actually! I'm the queen multi-tasker!
But lately, I felt like my addiction to the tube, as well as the computer, kept me from doing the best job possible as a mom to my babies. I noticed my toddler's behavior was getting more aggressive and frustrating (to both himself and ME). I figured it's because of his molars coming in. And then I thought, I wonder if all this noise from the TV bothers him? Or maybe he's frustrated at competing for my attention with the TV and computer? I wonder how different our day would be if I cut all of this out for just one day. To see.
So yesterday, I came downstairs to Sesame Street already on and the babies mesmerized as usual. (I fear I'm raising future TV addicts!) So I turn the TV off and explain to their dad that we are not having any electronics on today. Well, no TV or computer. I need my coffeemaker. ;)
The day started off very peaceful and quiet. No excess noise or sound. Just us.
What I noticed about this experiment was my toddler really was a lot calmer than usual. Happier even. I found myself looking at their faces more. Enjoying my time with them. Having fun, playing more, being silly. I felt more relaxed, present, calmer. I didn't miss it much really.
Not until about 4pm when I needed to start on dinner and the tantrum began.
And like the unperfect mom I am, I ended up finally turning the TV on, and putting on Sesame Street while I finished making dinner. Tantrum averted.
Even though my experiment didn't last ALL day like I hoped, I learned a lot from the quiet time I spent with them. And I plan to incorporate less TV and computer time in my day, and more quality and quiet time with them.
Logging off now... :)
But lately, I felt like my addiction to the tube, as well as the computer, kept me from doing the best job possible as a mom to my babies. I noticed my toddler's behavior was getting more aggressive and frustrating (to both himself and ME). I figured it's because of his molars coming in. And then I thought, I wonder if all this noise from the TV bothers him? Or maybe he's frustrated at competing for my attention with the TV and computer? I wonder how different our day would be if I cut all of this out for just one day. To see.
So yesterday, I came downstairs to Sesame Street already on and the babies mesmerized as usual. (I fear I'm raising future TV addicts!) So I turn the TV off and explain to their dad that we are not having any electronics on today. Well, no TV or computer. I need my coffeemaker. ;)
The day started off very peaceful and quiet. No excess noise or sound. Just us.
What I noticed about this experiment was my toddler really was a lot calmer than usual. Happier even. I found myself looking at their faces more. Enjoying my time with them. Having fun, playing more, being silly. I felt more relaxed, present, calmer. I didn't miss it much really.
Not until about 4pm when I needed to start on dinner and the tantrum began.
And like the unperfect mom I am, I ended up finally turning the TV on, and putting on Sesame Street while I finished making dinner. Tantrum averted.
Even though my experiment didn't last ALL day like I hoped, I learned a lot from the quiet time I spent with them. And I plan to incorporate less TV and computer time in my day, and more quality and quiet time with them.
Logging off now... :)
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