We have kept our t.v. but have severly restricted its use. We use it to watch dvds or video tapes that we carefully screen (often old movies) we watch foreign films and special programs that my husband and I tape and screen first. Our television isn't in a convenient place, we must "go" there specifically to watch. We find this breaks the addictive habit of watching "whenever" but allows us to enjoy some beautiful and well done programming. Because we don't watch as a matter of habit, we still have much time for reading, other activities and creative play. For us it is the best of both worlds. My children do not fight our rules or sneak TV. We reserve the right as the adults to control access and timing of our family viewing and the kids agree. They are often relieved to be able to tell their friends that they didn't see something inappropriate because their parents wouldn't let them. It takes the onus off of them and lets them be "good" without being uncool at school. - L. S. -1/2-/2001
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As a first grade teacher of many years, I have found that many children would rather listen to a book on tape than watch t.v. A tape can be heard while you play or color or take a long car trip and t.v. is hard to watch and do anything else!! (Children who listen to tapes can be picked out of a class easily!! They have an easier time listening and getting the details. They don't need the teacher to constantly be on the move to learn!)
Most libraries have all the good books on tape so it's a great help to students who have a hard time reading or just want some nice clean fun. Try books by Beverly Cleary or Mark Twain. Some of the new authers have sometimes inappropriate topics, but the children's books from years ago are really nice. Any capable librarian could help you order or pick titles.(No need to even walk in! Order over the phone and they have drive through pick-ups at most main libraries!) I realize that some people reading this are asking themselves "what's wrong with Rabbi Juravel Torah Tapes for kids"? Well, they are great but some kids 1-need variety and 2-can't afford the amount one would need to keep busy! Anything that keeps your child away from t.v. is worth a try!! Good Luck! - N. H. -1/2-/2001
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Before 1967 it was illegal to watch entertainment because of the levity. After 1967 it was due to inappropriate content. My psychologist said no television about 15 years ago and it has been a big improvement in my life. I don't miss it. Besides is this Shakespeare, the 3 tenors, the greatest show ever on the air? -1/2-/2001
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Ms.Cohen's article is on the mark, but my situation is slightly different. Ms. Cohen wasn't getting anything done without putting the kids in front of the TV. We weren't getting anything done because I was watching too!
Now that we tossed the TV out, things are finally getting done. My children color, play, and read, and my work around the house is being done as well. We have had no TV for 5 months already, and no one misses it. - J. F. -1/2-/2001
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We gave up our TV during the summer (we do allow selected videos) and it was the best move we ever made. Our kids are older (10-18) and we thought they would object strenuosly but they have taken it in stride. They are reading much more than before, we are talking to one another more and there is a sense of calm and serenity in the house. It is true that some people think we're nuts; they suffer from cognitive dissonance, refusing to believe that they are subjecting their children (and themselves) to trash. Others are envious that we had the courage to make the move (usually the men are addicted to sporting events). A piece of advice: Ditch the TV while your children are young. -1/2-/2001
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Yahoo! Excellent work! We turned our TV out in 1995. At the time our 2 girls were 15 and 12. Our oldest now speaks 4 languages and is a Senior at an elite college. Our youngest is an honors Junior, she was accelerated, at our State's largest University. Turning off the TV affords alot of extra educational time. - M. S. -1/2-/2001
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My husband and i always get a chuckle reminiscing about old tv shows (danny thomas, lucy, sing along with mitch) but those were the good old days. But we still wish we had a dollar for every hour we wasted in front of the tube.
B"H our kids don't watch tv. there's enough shmutz in the world without it.
yasher koach to you! -1/2-/2001
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It is ironic for me that this article came with this issue, because I am debating whether or not to get rid of my TV.
I have been without a TV before, and when I was without TV, I filled my time with other pursuits, (writing, arts and crafts, etc).
I reasoned that for the purposes of entertaining I would get a TV, (which, I do see the irony in this), and so I have one and even have cable TV, (it's almost impossible to get clear channels without cable).
I do not have any children, so my concern is strictly the quality of my life and of the life I share with others.
I applaud you on your efforts and convictions. - M. R. -1/2-/2001
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I heartily concur. TV is also a depressant and anxiety-producer for adults, too. The programming is so poor, the news so bad, the ads so negative.... it is a sewer. And any parent who says they monitor what their children are watching, unless retricting their children only to videos, is either lying or unaware of what is happening.
Another factor: kids who watch t.v. will not read with the vigor of those who do not. - D. R. -1/2-/2001
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Hello, I agree with you about TV being too involved in our childrens entertainment. I believe that parents use the TV too much as a babysitter. I ask myself then what are the parents for if the TV is going to raise the child. I feel the same about computers. I feel that teaching a child to use their imagination is so important! I am not yet a parent myself but in next couple of years I hope to become one. And I don't think I would go as far as putting the TV into storage I do plan on limiting their TV viewing and encourage them to draw, play outside, pretend, go to museums etc. I went to many museums as a child and used my imagination all the time. I prefered to play to watching TV. Of course my mother is an artist so that helped, but I know of many people who would park those children (friends of mine at the time) in front of the TV.... well I have to say I think it had an effect on them personaly. They lost the child in them. I think when you let things like computers and TV be too involved in the upbringing of a child you are helping them to lose that child within them. I am happy to say that at age 30 I have yet to lose that child!!! I still play with toys and can balance my budget as well as other so called "grown up things"... I owe this to my mother and all she taught me... not TV! So to end this I agree TV is way too important for people now adays... they need to actually teach their children... not let the TV do it!! - H. Z. -1/2-/2001
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I heartily agree. My own experience is similar, but now my children are grown. There are many benefits in addition to the ones you mention, but one in particular that I want to share because my friends have told me that the reason for this difference in our family was the lack of tv. My kids (now grown) got along and respected me! We gave each other focused attention. They did not mirror the continual bickering that most kids have modeled for them on tv. Our home was peaceful. A few close friends who have tv in their homes believe that is what made the difference. PS One child is now married to a girl who also grew up without tv (met her in college 1,000 miles away) and they do not have tv in their home. No, it doesn't solve every problem, but it prevents many. Of course, it's not enough to have no tv -- it's also what we did have: the read-alouds -- even in high school -- the baord games, the history trivia games, the musems, parks, crafts, Mom at every basketball game, long heart-to-heart talks after bedtime...
- G. M. -1/2-/2001
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Mazal tov to you, and I commend you on your wise decision. I used to watch plenty of TV, but then it began to dawn on me the fact that TV was beginning to desensitize me to untznius things and violence, and such. So I abstained from TV for a large period of time, and found that the sentivity comes back with time and effort. I think internet also has that effect, as most (non-Torah sites of course) websites have dirty ads that play on your yetzer hara, and really desensitizes a person. - M. F. -1/2-/2001
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I agree with your stance but what if you
have a television only for videos. Like Jewish ones and Disney ones. - P. K. -1/2-/2001
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We quit watching TV a year and a half ago. We had flown to NY with our children who were going to camp. We had never been to NY even though this was my daughter's third year at camp. We were spiritually recharged by staying in Brooklyn and on the way home we talked about what we could do to refocus our lives. We had talked about getting rid of the TV for years but it was so convenient. If you didn't want to think, you didn't have to when you watched TV. The kids being away from TV for 5 weeks made it easier when they came home. Our kids were really good at changing the channel if something inappropriate came on, but even then, by the time they changed the channel, the words and pictures were already in their heads. We, and the kids, have never regretted the decision. Look at it this way, we didn't lose anything by not watching TV. When we watched it, we lost family time, learning time and became very familiar with what the secular world calls life. In truth, it was a godless life glorified. Do we really need that? - M. B. -1/2-/2001
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What a wonderful article. Well thought out and the author expressed what is reality! Shield your children. Protect and build them up as much as possible... - D. P. -1/2-/2001
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If only everyone would listen to your message and get rid of their TV - it was a big struggle in our house, and sometimes continues to be when major events happen, however it is totally worth it! - S. K. -1/2-/2001
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After reading Debbie Cohen's article I am now thinking once again about my children's television viewing. I have had this daily ongoing concern for awhile, but her last paragraph has finally hit home. Lately, when my daughter does not have TV to watch, she complains that she is bored and cannot come up with anything herself to do instead. My wife and I have to make suggestions or otherwise she will sit there.
That worries me. Maybe it's time we reevaluate the effect TV is having on our children. Thanks for the insights. -1/2-/2001
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