It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
They WILL affect your child's life. Honestly how many kids in your High School can you think back that were emotionally mature enough to place themselves above social status in school?
"What, you think you're better than us?"
"Yes, because I'm not going to Hell like you are".
Originally posted by AccessDenied
A week ago, I made a drastic change in my home.
I noticed far too much that my bookshelf was getting dusty, yet the various movies and video games were constantly strewn about the living room.
I noticed my 5 year old daughter would get up in the morning and immediately put on a movie...and the same before she went to bed.
I noticed my kids playing outside and talking with their friends and a lot of the conversations revolved around the movies they watched or video games they played.
I SAID ENOUGH.
I gave it all away.
The TV, the VCR/DVD, the movies..and the video games. ALL OF IT.
I expected mutiny on the bounty.
What I got, was my daughter getting up every morning and reading a book, and the same before bed.
Instead of playing video games, my sons have taken more of an interest in nature, and drawing what they see. My other daughter has taken to writing poetry.
You never really stop and think how much time in your life is taken away by what is deemed "Entertainment".
My kids were turning into zombies...and I couldn't let that happen.
Call me whatever you like, as I'm sure a few will see this as mean parenting..but I prefer the days before "Entertainment" when kids had an imagination when they played, and a generation that was brought up with good family values and a strong work ethic.
Funny, how just over a year ago I met someone who didn't own a TV..and for the life of me I couldn't fathom why. Now, I get it. I really do. You can't live life when you are being distracted away from it.
Originally posted by physicalbeing
You know, I understand as a parent your concerns about video games and movies, but did you ever think that maybe it's the type of video game/movie/TV shows you're allowing your children to watch that may be the "problem?" I grew up on video games, and firmly believe they have shaped my way of logical thinking and critical problem-solving techniques. I'm always looking for alternative solutions to problems, and this is from video games. Instead of your child playing "Barbie Horses," perhaps you should allow them to play TETRIS, and more of the puzzle games. What movies is your daughter watching that you are so against? You're the one purchasing these to begin with, so you're part of the issue, don't you think? You can allow them to watch classics, and educational TV. I became incredibly interested in the universe and what is now my fundamental belief system simply by watching the History channel and other education, informative TV shows.
As a child, I DID play outside quite a bit, as well, though, and understand this is a necessity in growth, but I do think the "distractions" still broaden the mind, and are equally important.
I scrolled up and read your post about your child being 12 and homeschooled. Don't you think you're robbing her of basic social interaction? You can't shelter her, and she needs social interaction. She needs both good and bad influences in her life, that way she can determine what's "right" and "wrong" based on personal experience. Even at 12, she needs some kind of life experiences.
[edit on 13-6-2009 by physicalbeing]
Call me whatever you like, as I'm sure a few will see this as mean parenting..but I prefer the days before "Entertainment" when kids had an imagination when they played, and a generation that was brought up with good family values and a strong work ethic.
Originally posted by physicalbeing
lol... I'm saying this because my parents tried doing that to me growing up. What did I do? Rebelled. I had sex at your daughter's age as a mean to "act out." I needed to entertain myself after reading, so I'd sneak out..even if we didn't do anything "bad," and just hung out at the park across the street, it was still putting myself in potentially dangerous situations.
Believe me, my friends and I were not like "everyone else," and maybe that was kind of the problem. We weren't spoiled. We weren't part of any kind of "clique." We were the smart, "creative," and "different." Sure, we had older friends, which could have had a different kind of influence, but it forced us to grow up faster, think more critically, and explore options. Being an outcast does have its benefits, but you need to think about the long-term effects it can have on her life. At 12, it's important for her to get the sense of "belonging" to something- groups, cliques, whatever it may be. Just because you don't see the dire need for TV and movies, your daughter appreciates the art behind it. Why deprive her of that? Don't push your beliefs on her...she'll only resent you in the end.
How can you deny your children their entertainment, yet keep your own? Can you not see the hypocrisy? 'It's okay, mummy can use the internet and have fun all by herself on it, but you can't watch television and have fun.' over the top But can you see my point?
Now..if you'll excuse me..it's a gorgeous day outside, and I'm taking my kids to the park. You know ..THE PARK..where there is OTHER KIDS..HAVING FUN..WITH NO TV.
Freakin wow.