It's time to trade in the remote control

"It's time to trade in the remote control for a little self-control."
- Beth Moore

In 1979, 120 families were offered $500 each to cease watching TV for one month. 93 families turned it down. 5 of the remaining families who watched 40 - 70 hrs per wk were studied. The results: closer family units, increased family activities...games, piano playing..., one-on-one time between parents & children - & patience! ... & an increase in creativity.

- Summarized from: Living Beyond Yourself

Well- no one is offering us $500 :( and we don't watch all that much TV - but we're going to try it anyhow! Assuming we're successful (there's power in positive thinking...right?!), in the end at least we'll have exercised some self-control. And if indeed we do gain patience (w/o having to pray for it - bc that kinda scares me) & creativity, it will have been very worthwhile.

We started last night. Dad wasn't home but the kids & I played badminton in the back yard. Later Strike asked to print out a coloring page & mentioned she'd like some new crayons & markers. I read by her on the couch. Playmaker did homework nearby. Hmm - I think I'm going to like this (& hoping they do too :)

***

P.S. A few details for the record: we can still watch some videos/DVDs & play The Wii/video games - but no "TV" on the computer. - If there's urgent news we can turn on TV for that.

Strike's been given some extra motivation. She' been faithfully earning & saving $ for her IPOD Touch ... if she meets this challenge without complaining about it, in the end she'll have earned the remaining balance needed to purchase it - & if the two older kids do the same, we may give them a bonus too - just haven't really discussed it yet.