Are your kids watching too much t.v.? Mine have been! After decades without one, we caved and bought a television late last year for various reasons, one being that if my kids are going to watch anything, I’d rather they watch in the center of the house. I’m mostly glad we bought it. With all the sickness in our house in recent weeks, screen time went way up. I am limiting it now to a show or two at the end of the day unless we are watching an opera (because everyone knows that opera doesn’t count as screen time.) Next week I will cut back even more. The kids are all feeling better and the weather is nice now so I can send everyone outside. They can also spend their time destroying the house, which they do. I thought I would get back to homeschooling my younger kids this week but am pushing off another week. I was last to get sick and my voice still isn’t strong. (My older kids mostly work independently, so they have been keeping up with their schoolwork. My job is mainly to remind and threaten them.)
On the topic of screens: I have a hard time finding anything acceptable for my older kids to watch. Keats (age 17) likes comedy. I end up deeming nearly everything that he asks to watch as inappropriate. It’s not that he wants to watch inappropriate things, it’s just that most modern comedy is. I decided to let him watch The Simpsons. I guess some people will think that I am silly for not letting him watch this before now, or terrible for allowing it at all. I have no idea really because I never watched it. This could possibly be the greatest parenting mistake of my life, but somehow I doubt it. I haven’t let him watch The Office, and that is what he really wants to watch. The Simpsons is a compromise. He and Gabe watch an episode or two at night after the younger kids are in bed because I’m not letting them be corrupted yet. The other night, I walked in to see Mabel snuggled next to Keats watching. I told her she was supposed to be in bed and that she wasn’t allowed to watch this show. She moved closer to Keats, put her little hand on his shoulder and told me, “But, I love the badness!” I sent her back to bed.
For some reason that reminded me of the time we got some skimpy bathing suits in a box of hand me downs. I told a very disappointed Beatrix that she wouldn’t be able to wear them. She was probably 4 or 5 years old at the time. She told me, “But, I love immodest bathing suits!”
Silas asked to watch a nature show the other day, knowing that I’m more likely to say yes if he specifies “nature show.” Mabel overheard and whined, “But I only like junky shows! Please can I watch a junky show?”
It’s hard, isn’t it?
While we were watching La Boheme last week, Mabel dramatically threw her arms around Beatrix’s neck and exclaimed, “Bea! I want you to fall in love with me!” I’m not sure what she meant by that. We probably shouldn’t be watching operas either. But now that the novelty has worn off, my younger kids are pretty sure to find some constructive independent play if I turn one on. You might keep that in mind if you are struggling to find things for your kids to do. Turn on an opera and they will leave the room and go find something to do all by themselves. Of course, that might mean the destruction of property and a very big mess. But maybe your kids are less destructive than mine?
I better get back to homeschooling.
p.s. Here’s a link to the puzzle pictured above. And this is the shawl I’m knitting. I’m reading Possession with a friend. This book has been recommended to me by several friends (all English or lit majors of some sort, I should add. I’ll also add that I was an agriculture major. I’m missing probably half the story, but persevering.) My sister sent me the Tasha Tudor book last week and I can’t wait to read it. More on my level, I suspect.
elizabeth says
Oh but there are lot’s of lovely things to watch! I borrow DVD’s from the library (closed now… but I used to) and copied them onto my laptop. We have a stash of nice movies that my kids can pick from. I also buy DVD’s from movies and series I enjoyed as a child. Movies from books are a very safe bet, because you already know the story. And when none of that’s possible, many things can be downloaded (illegal but it’s lockdown times and sometimes you need solutions…)
These are some movies my kids love:
Wallace and Gromit complete collection (Chicken Run is fun too)
Pippi Longstocking (several movies from the ’70s)
Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter (studio Ghibli)
The Animals of Farthing Wood: The Complete Series
Watership Down
The wind in the Willows
Mary Poppins (and lots of oldskool disney movies are great!!)
Sound of Music
Sissi (3 1950’s movies about the Austrian emperess, lots of stunning dresses)
It’s much harder with teens, but daytime TV can be so nice. My kids also enjoy BBC Earth, the more agressive the animal, the more they love it. There are some episodes with dinosaurs where the blood splashes onto the camera screen, it’s that realistic. My kids go crazy for that, don’t ask me why!
Connie Durvin says
I adore your blog, and reread old posts all the time. I wanted to ask about the photo of the pink flower with yellow stamens and pink-veined leaves. Is that a Frostkiss Hellebore? Beautiful!
Cheryl Kuebler says
I would definitely recommend the Anne of Green Gables 1985 Gilbert and Sullivan series. I watched it as a student in school (catholic school in the 80s in Canada), and we bought the multi disc when it was available last year at Costco. My kids loved it. Avonlea is also a good family friendly tv series. It has the same characters and producers as Anne of Green Gables. We have also watched 1940s house on PBS and if your kids are into archeology, I would recommend Time Team.
We too have run into the screen issue. My kids are heading outside next week to help us farm and get the yards ready for spring.
Good luck, and stay safe.
Melisa says
Ginny,
Your flower pictures are so lovely. In MN, we woke to a new coat of snow on the ground this morning – but hopefully soon it will look like spring.
I second the I Love Lucy recommendation! On a whim, I put it on my birthday list. My husband bought me the entire boxed set of DVD’s with all the seasons. We are loving it! Though my oldest 3 (20, 18, 16) haven’t been watching, my 4-14 year old children ask if we can watch a couple episodes most evenings. I knew it was funny, but I didn’t appreciate just how much until watching it recently.
We’ve also enjoyed When Calls the Heart, a Canadian frontier show (based on Janette Oke’s books) as a family. I bought one of my teen daughters the 1st season on DVD, and since then we’ve been catching up on other seasons. Very clean for the whole family.
I keep hearing about Jeeves and Wooster, and it sounds like a good one to check out. Also, it’s kind of different, but some of my family enjoys watching the old Twilight Zone episodes (you may want to watch some first to see). They’re very intriguing.
More screen time here that I’d like to admit, too.
God bless you and yours!
Amanda Allen says
We’re in Michigan and every year your spring photos give me hope that spring will actually come here too! We got several inches of snow last night, I’m 35 weeks pregnant, and our governor just upped the stay home guidelines. I genuinely needed to see a hellebore! So thanks 🙂
Cynthia Stichert says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures. So much appreciated. We will not be seeing spring flowers here in Wisconsin for awhile. I would love to be out in the garden, especially now. The snow is first melting now and flakes are in the air. Stay safe!
Rebecca Robinson says
BYU-TV is a free app that has some great, clean comedy shows.
Judith says
Hi Ginny:
Loved your post (late in writing this since i didn’t have WI-FI for several days). I have a copy of Possession but have never really gotten in to it. Will try again after I finished Agatha Christie’s autobiography.
Not sure if you have access to BBC America if you do they have some really great comedies, drama programs, nature/wildlife that your children might enjoy. They also broadcast programs from the Proms (the Horrible Histories program was very funny). If you like mysteries the Joan Hickson verison of Miss Marple is very good. Your older boys may like FOYLE’s WAR with Michael Kitchen — World War II UK home front detective series. Two other WWII films that I really enjoy are: Brendan Gleeson’s Into the Storm – Churchill at War and Albert Finny’s The Gathering Storm. Both are HBO films.
Glad to hear your family is feeling much better. My self-isolation does have its perks — I have cleaned out two closets, read several books, finished a crochet baby afghan and am now planning to tackle cleaning out the garage — that’s just in the thinking stages right now, maybe I will get busy after my nap.
Take good care,
Judith
PS: I would have suggested the Father Brown BBC series, however most of the episodes have adult themes — so disappointing because Chesterton is such a wonderful author.
JulieK says
But oooh those flowers! ???
Kimberly O'Donoghue says
This was such a good laugh out loud “episode” Ginny. Having had three girls who tested the waters continually even more so when I pulled the reigns in with tv and clothing my laughter was heard from my husband in the kitchen!
I love the badness and immodest comments your girls are headed to be great individuals mine are!!
Bee says
I’ve owned “Possession” for years, but I haven’t read yet! Not sure why – it just seems like one of those books you have to be in the mood for. Maybe 2020 will finally be the year.
As for comedy – I personally love The Good Place, but I know it’s not for everyone. I’ve heard other good stories about Brooklyn 99, but I haven’t watched that myself yet.
Also – and you may 100% disagree, which is fine! – at their age, I don’t think it can hurt to see something slightly inappropriate every now and then. Gabe and Keats sound like wonderful guys, from what you’ve shown on this blog. They won’t be “corrupted” simply by seeing something immodest or weird on tv…if anything, it could help spark important and interesting conversations with you and Jonny :).
Lisa says
One of my brothers and I quote parts of our favorite episodes of The Simpsons to each other- such a funny show! What about stand-up comedy? Brian Regan is really funny and clean. The library might have some of his shows on DVD. Or maybe the old British shows Fawlty Towers or Jeeves and Wooster- from what I can remember clean + no language.
It can be tough to find good stuff that’s funny- I really appreciate comedians who don’t go for the cheap laughs!
sonrie says
Is ‘Possession’ good? I’ve checked it out from the library a few times and could never get into it. Maybe I should try on audio? I also have heard it recommended numerous times.
I was never allowed to watch the Simpsons; my sister and I had to fight (argue our case, lol) to be able to watch Full House and Saved by the Bell. This was about 1995/7 or so. We were pretty sheltered so likely missed a few innuendos but overall they were decent shows. I still have never watched the simpsons or most cartoons. As a college student I did get into the office, and think it’s hysterical but was a little older to handle the jokes. What about Seinfeld? Funny enough, we were allowed to watch that! Lots of innuendo but also funny bits too. It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World is a very funny movie (esp at the end).
Lavonne says
We have discovered The Middle series with Patricia Heaton. It’s pure comedic gold! We love it. Our sons love it! All 9 seasons.
Ginny says
That looks great! Do you watch on Amazon? Thank you!
Lavonne says
I’m not sure if you can watch on Amazon. My son is non-verbal and he likes to have actual items to show people so we splurged big and bought the discs. I’m not regretting it though. We’re watching it for the second time now and it’s just as funny.
Lorrie Fulton says
“I Love Lucy” was a huge hit with my (now 30-ish) kids when they were teens, and totally safe for all ages! Lucille Ball’s physical comedy is unbeatable !
Ginny says
Good idea! Will try to find episodes!
Angela says
My 7 yr old son loves Abbott & Costello. We also love the old Universal monster movies. We don’t allow The Simpsons or any of those animated shows. They are geared toward adults anyway and I find them disgusting. They mock God and Jesus and while you can tell your kids that’s not ok you are still allowing it which makes an impression.
Susan Kuhlman says
Some people may have prejudice against LGBT but I like Modern Family. I like the way they work out problems together and sure, they joke about various issues, but high school students can handle that. (If you do not think so, you are not paying attention to their maturity and independence that is part of growing up.) I think the Obama family approved their daughters watching Porlandia. Suggestion. Emphasize the qualities your want your children to have as they evolve into adults. When you over emphasize your limiting their experiences, in a way you are saying that you do not trust them. Experiencing all aspects of culture is a part of growing up. I never limited my daughter’s choice in books to read, movies to watch or TV programs. I sometimes gave them feedback about their choices. (Also, a very strict conversation about porn. They will see some eventually.) They have gown up to be financially successful, socially conscious, and in loving relationships. I am so proud of them but also had confidence in their ability to make decisions as they grew up.
Melissa says
Disney put all the School House Rock videos on YouTube. I’ve been introducing my boys to them. The ones from 1973 arent near as exciting as today’s editing, but they still watched. This has been tough fighting off the screen time. We are bundling up today, as its cold here in Chicago, and heading outside for some fresh air. (I have been listening to the Last Mrs Parrish on audio … its an odd book, but captivating, though not anything like a good classic.) Hang in there!
Anne says
Ha! Yes it IS difficult and especially with the age range! I don’t have an age range as big as you and still I often find that I’m letting the three year old watch shows I would never have let the firstborn three year old watch or making the near-teen watch shows that he enjoyed when he was five. (shrug) I guess we’re all trying to make the best decisions we can!
Clearly the isolation is getting to me because I usually just enjoy your posts without comment but this is the second post in a row I’ve commented on!! : )
caroline says
I’m sorry about the TV issue. Everyday I’m on the brink of getting rid of ours. Just too much loss happens there and you can never get it back. Children are drawn to darkness because it feels powerful.
Finding things that are okay and still interesting for all is difficult. The age span in our house is from 3 to 21. We’ve watched the old All Creatures Great and Small shows, and the Jeeves and Wooster shows and they seem to please everybody. My older sons really like the other PG Wodehouse books too (audio versions found free on libravox).
We’ve also found all sorts of documentaries on YouTube that everybody likes. There’s a BBC series about farming through different historical periods that is really interesting. War Time Farm is the last one we watched.
Lately we’ve started making dioramas out of paper mache. Thats been fun even for oldest.
Susan says
We have also been watching the Simpsons. I forgot how funny it was! My 16 year old son likes it and it is laugh out loud funny. Another thought… have you watched the bbc series of Father Brown based on GK Chesterton’s books? Such great mysteries for the older kids.
Claire says
“But, I love the badness!”…. too funny and so familiar! We have the same kind of thing going down at our house! It felt so easy when everyone was small, but with the combination of actual big kids and teeny tots we’ve had to make adjustments. We’ve found a few things lately that our wide age group have been able to enjoy together though….
On Disney+ there’s “Togo” (so good!) and of course, the Disney literary classics are fun. On Prime there’s “The Riot and the Dance” (a beautifully filmed nature show from a creationist perspective), “Swallows and Amazons” (a fun WW2 era family romp), and the new BBC “Little Women” is lovely.
Glad to hear we aren’t the only jolly mess makers when the screen is off! 🙂
Bley says
Oh my goodness, I just laughed so much through this post. Thank you for your lightness and relaxed-ness; I needed it today! What a very good mother you are……an encouragement to me.
Rita Moeller says
If you are paying for cable, check out the Disney channel. All the movies and other pretty good shows. Your older boys might like the Imagineering series–about building Disneyland. Last night I found a week of the original Mickey Mouse Club from 1955—old but interesting and of course, black and white. Also the other comment about the Andy Griffith show is true. That series actually had really good morals that the Dad passed on to the son. And it was funny. My daughter home-schools and her daughter is reading The Diary of Anne Frank and fascinated with WWII and I suggested the Netflix series: WWII in color. I have learned SO much!
Marilyn says
Glad that every one is doing fine. Perhaps the children will eventually learn to love opera. It is hard to find a quality program on television. Stay well and safe.
Marilyn
Lana says
I remember those days of trying to find anything appropriate on TV and new books for that older teen age. Our youngest son loved opera and played it loudly in his room several days a week. Some days it just about drove me crazy. If I made our nerdy children go outside they went out on the deck and sat at the picnic table and read books. I gave up on trying to get them to actually move. Our priceless quote by our youngest was asking when she could shave her legs right in the middle of supper at age 4.
Sandra Louise says
That so funny you’re reading Possession. I’m reading it too for my grad school class! I read it years ago when it came out and enjoyed it. Hope you do too. Love Mabel’s comments, she’s so funny. And I’m sure you’re doing a terrific parenting job. Love is the main thing, right?
Joan says
Ginny I find that it is very hard to watch any decent television programs. I have been reading books and magazines.
Safe and health to you and yours.
Joan
Marion says
Hi Ginny;
Glad to read that all are feeling well again. My mom loved to do jigsaw puzzles and was very good at it. You have a great collection of puzzles. There isn’t much quality television to view.
Have a wonderful week-end and stay safe and well.
Marion
Stacy says
Spongebob is hilarious. My dh and I avoided it forever, but it is great. My big kids like Marvel anything
Ginny, could you link to posts or share resources about gardening? I’m a mom of 8 and feeling panic about groceries right now. Trying to get the garden ready for large yielding crops, and figuring out food preservation
Maurlo says
You made me laugh! We are moving and so I spent a week painting our house…way too much tv…when my two year old started quoting Curious George and Give a Mouse a Cookie I knew it had gone too far!
For yourself, are you a podcast listener? I’ve been enjoying books while listening to the conversations on “the literary life” podcast and find most of Joy Clarksons podcasts on “Speaking with Joy” delightful! I’m listening on daily walks…
Your pictures also bring me joy!
Dawn says
My kids both loved the Andy Griffith show, and Don Knotts definitely provides the comedy!
We eventually bought all the of the season on dvd, and they have been enjoyed over and over.
AnnyM says
Man, we haven’t gotten to that age yet, tricky! I would recommend The Mentalist (not a comedy per say, but the main character is very amusing) And for a clean family, show we love The Great British Bake-off, and The Great British Throw Down, and Just for Laughs Gags (on YouTube)
Bonnie says
How do you store or display your puzzles when you done with them? They are beautiful!
Brigitte says
Made me laugh, thanks! We didn’t have tv most of my kids’ childhoods, so when I stay with my daughter I see those things we never did. I thought sponge bob was pretty funny but I haven’t done an exhaustive study of it. I am watching with fairly young children and do not try to influence their viewing habits as it is not my place to do so.
Andrea says
I agree on the Middle, it’s been awhile but I don’t recall anything inappropriate and absolutely loved it!
Sue says
I have the Tasha Tudor book out right now! I have been doing lots of needlepoint lately, and I thought I would re-read for inspiration. Plus, who can’t use a corgi right now. As far as the TV goes, be firm. I limited tv time with my daughter many years ago and I credit that move for her being a voracious reader. Perhaps pick some movies based on books. Read the book first, and then compare. Just an idea. As soon as I figure out how to post my monthly knitting project and book, I will do so.
Mamashgrove says
Have you tried “the repair shop” on Netflix? It’s a bbc show, family friendly and very moving. Plus they fix people’s things!
Susan says
Yes! We have a large age range as well and we all enjoy this. We found it on Netflix.
Ashley D says
My kids love Studio C and JK Studios on Youtube, both clean comedy. Also DryBar Comedy is clean stand up comedians. My kids love byutv.org which has tons of clean, uplifting content for families. They have a great cake decorating one my kids love, one about doing random acts of kindness, helping homeless people decorate their new homes, so nice for my kids to watch that actually encourages them to do good things. Worth a look if you can find something you like, all free.
Elizabeth A Weber-Falk says
The Simpsons was off limits in our home too. I don’t like how they dumb down the adults and have the children be smart alecks. I have to admit though the kids did get to watch the show on rare occasions. My grandmother thought the show was a hoot and if the kids were with her they would watch together. I guess this made it special and a treat.
barbara powell says
Hi Ginny, Your family might enjoy the Great British Sewing Bee. We access it on you tube. “Pardon me while I go put in the Zip”.
Jill Ruskamp says
So hard! We never watched the Simpsons I wouldnt allow it either or Spongebob! Truthfully I judged just because I was pretty sure they were not for us and have never seen an episode. My 20 year old upcycled a shirt the other day. Too low cut for us but what could I do. I voiced my opinion but shared it because it was so creative. Good grief. So hard! Your little Mabel makes me laugh. We understand! All my older kids have watched the office and quote it all the time so my younger ones think it’s great. So hard!
Alexis says
I’m so lucky mine are still young (5 and 7) because the battles over screens are brief (no! Go play!) I know I will lose eventually, but that day is not today. My eldest wins by speed reading Star Wars books at the library and then pretending to not have nightmares later on that evening. Sigh. I’m sure low media will be only one of my many parenting mistakes.
Gwen says
Oh Ginny, I got the biggest kick out of your kids’ expressions. What a hoot!
Paige says
Haha great blog post. Have y’all seen the Jeeves and Wooster shows my kids think they are hilarious. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and good chuckle.
Kate says
We’re still trying to stick to no movies except for special occasions and the weekend. I only have two at home now, so it is a bit easier. We also made a no-movie rule unless the boys’ room was clean. (It was getting way out of control and we needed a desperate solution.) My boys like comedies and black and white movies. They enjoyed William Powell’s Thin Man movies and Cary Grant’s Arsenic and Old Lace. Not comedies, but they also enjoyed Citizen Kane and Maltese Falcon. Not in the black and white genre, but funny – the Jeeves and Wooster series and Wodehouse Playhouse. I’m thinking I’m going to have to preview some more British comedy series to see if they’d be suitable.
To keep my youngest, Mr. Extrovert, from going cray in the shutdown, we got a puppy. They’ve definitely been keeping each other busy.
Emily DeArdo says
I LOVE Possession. I need to re-read it now.
Carly O says
Have your kids watch “The Middle”. It’s a fantastic funny show about a middle class family. Nothing inappropriate. It is also pretty light hearted. My husband and I love it.
Catherine says
Loved this post! We, too, are allowing more screens than ever. Finding things that are appropriate (and my oldest two can agree on) is a huge challenge. So many of the current messages on TV are counter to the values we hold. I’ll be reading the comments–hopefully people will have good viewing suggestions!
Becky says
Please keep writing these. Your writing gives me a chuckle and a bit of nostalgia as my kids are all grown and have babies of their own. I never let them watch “bad” shows and they still don’t understand why I didn’t let them watch “Full House”. haha
One of my daughters phoned home from a slumber party to have me come pick her up because they were going to watch a PG13 movie that the mom rented!! I was so proud of her and happy that she stood her ground even when I never would have known if she had watched it.
You are a good mom and I appreciate that you love to send your kids outdoors to make their own fun. My mom was the same and I love that I was able to live like a “wild child” making mudpies, sorting through giant rock piles and splashing in the creek with my dog and ducks.
Rebekah Y. says
This was hilarious! I’ve got to say, I started reading your blog when I was pregnant with my 4th and just started homeschooling and I was feeling like I was a little crazy. I found comfort in the fact that you had more kids than me and were already in the realms of homeschooling. I always find some joy in your posts and I appreciate you being so honest. You remind me so much of myself. And with the TV thing it’s like we’re twins! I have a 15 yr old son and 5 yr old daughter that remind me so much of your kids AND two girls in the middle that remind me of your middle girls and are just about the same ages. If we weren’t in California I’d say we should meet up. Thank you for being you!