*Grandma reading to Anne.* *Uncle Todd reading to Abbey.*
Anne is 2 years, 3 months old, and until recently has never watched "TV". Around Christmas she started watching the old-fashioned Rudolph on YouTube. We have one television in our home. It is set up in the basement with VCR and DVD capabilities. Trent and I watch about 1 movie a year. I have long scorned children watching TV, as I feel that books are a better form of "entertainment" and they get more involved with books than staring at a TV or computer screen.
However, I was having some difficulties putting Baby Abbey down for her naps because Anne would want me to read her books while I was rocking and nursing Abbey. Normally that is not a problem, but when I am trying to settle Abigail for a nap, it doesn't really work well. I started putting on segments of Disney movies from YouTube. (Bambi, Fox & Hound, and Robin Hood are Anne's favorites). They are typically 8-10 minute segments which give me enough time to get Abbey rocked and settled for her nap. This also works
well for brushing and braiding Annie's hair.
I can see how easy it would be for me (or any stay-at-home-mom) to just turn on the TV or put a movie in for their child. It keeps them quiet, and you have time to do something on your own. However, I'm not willing to allow my child to be raised by Disney. Today, when Abbey went down for her morning nap, I used the time with Anne to make Valentine cards for her little friends. She painted, glued, colored and used scissors. Would it have been easier for me to just let her watch movies? Sure, but how much more is she learning by being involved in a hands-on craft than staring at our computer screen. She has years of being on the computer ahead of her.
So when it comes up in conversation with other SAHMs and I say we don't have a TV I see the look of surprise on their faces. It may not be for everyone, but I find it works well for us. There are days when I wish we had it for watching the Olympics, the Super Bowl, etc. but in general I'm thankful that we don't watch TV. It's so nice to cuddle up with the little ones with a big pile of books (though I do get sick of hearing my own voice from time to time). :)
How do other moms do it?
****Of course, I posted this yesterday, and last night Anne got sick (vomiting, diarrhea, you know, the works). So what does she want to do today?? Lay on my bed and watch Robin Hood. Of course I caved for the poor little dear didn't feel well! She did want some books read to her, but mostly just to be snuggled.****
No comments:
Post a Comment