Will cutting the wires help or make it worse?

[Libby2999]

So there's some people in my family who have horable habits of watching tv and making their whole life revolve around it. They don't want to do anything other than watch tv. Myself, I hate tv abd find it very boring. As going on a date to the movies is boring and dreadful not a fun occasion. So I want to get them to stop watching so much tv. When I say all they want to do I mean the one only thing that's important in there life thing! Not to be pointing finger but it's mostly the males in the family. So I was planning on cutting the tv wires or atleast take them and hide them. That is kinda imuchure but do you think it will help to break their tv addiction? Or will it only create more stress for being bothered when they try to watch tv. Should I do something or should I just let it go?

Thanks, only tv I watch is sometimes movies maybe a show here and there and mostly news and the weather. Less than 30 mins a day, and most day no tv for me. (not bragging, just kinda proud that I'm not a couch potato/tv monster)
~libby

[specialmom]

And one other thing---------  like it or not, tv is part of the American culture.  When you have a child that has an issue of some sort that affects social skills, certain popular tv shows are recommended to help them talk the talk and be in the know.  So you are correct, tv has become social in this country and is the talking point for a lot of conversations.  I don't think anyone really cares if you watch tv or not unless you say it smuggly or judgementally that they do-------- but it does take you out of the mix of some conversations.  Again, like it or not----------- that is American culture.  good luck

[specialmom]

When you are a kid you are a kid--------- just the way it goes.  We've all been one at one time.  When you finish school (and by that I HOPE I mean college)------- get a job and pay your own expenses and bills, you will have control.  But still, that will be over your own self and not your parents.  Don't try to be a grown up too fast-------- it comes with a lot of work involved.  Enjoy life (doing things, reading, etc. vs. watching tv) and worry less about how others spend their time.  good luck

[Libby2999]

Thanks, I just feel so powerless now. What ever, I'll live. Lolz we do have a tv in ever room! It's weird but lots of other familys have that too. I just kinda feel left out when my friends all talk about some tv show, and I'm just standing there "I don't watch tv..." and people think I'm either try to get attiontion like that or I'm a freak. Haha, well thanks anyways. :)

[specialmom]

Hi,  I'm glad you have interests and things that entertain you beyond vegi-ing out on the couch watching the tube.  However, at your age and place in life there is nothing you can do about it.  Your parents as adults have earned the right to do as they choose and they pay all the bills.  And any siblings you have that watch a lot of tv are not your responsibility.  So let it go and enjoy your non tv kind of life.  good luck

[lovemykids465]

lol. I do that with the computer, I take the power cable and the cable from the monitor to the pc with me when I leave, There is so much trash they can get into on this thing,

[Ashelen]

Just to make a note to the people replying...

she's 14 so she doesn't have any true control over the situation, I think that advice on how for her to cope with her family's unhealthy habits would be helpful :).


I agree with Teko..unfortunately as the kid in the family all you can do is try to convince them with words; they get the ultimate say for now. WHen you turn 18 and get your own place you can go without a tv; my husband and I lived without a tv for 2 years when we were engaged :).

[teko]

When my kids were small, we only had one television and I stuck it in the car with me. LOL

Oh my, now that they are grown they have a television in every room of the house! I think I created  a complex in them!

But not much you can do about grown ups. They will simply show you how much control you dont have over their time.

[PromisedLand]

Or, another friend, when he went to work in the morning would take the cable from the wall to the TV out and somehow fixed the power cord so he could take it out and his kids couldn't jerry rig it...they found other things to do, like homework, etc.


Jim

[PromisedLand]

I had a friend who I thought managed his kid's TV viewing very well.  They owned a small TV and kept it in a closet.   In the evening, they would look at the TV guide and see what was going to be on that night...anything worth watching? no?  TV stays in closet.  Anything educational, uplifting (without swearing, semi nudity, ads for Lord knows what) then out came the TV, they'd watch that program, and the TV went back.  If there was nothing worthwhile watching, they'd read, play games, etc...


I haven't seen them in quite a while but I'd like to know how it all worked out as the kids got older (must be in their early teens by now)


Jim

[lovemykids465]

I just had the cable turned off at my house,Freaked them all out. But it got my point across and it worked.

[Ashelen]

I'm with teko..it's not going to do any good.

I also do not like tv..I have a few shows on dvd that I like, and my husband and I enjoy curling up in bed with a good movie...but I can't get into the whole "tv-every-single-day-and-night" thing that everyone my age is into.

Unfortunately, unhealthy or not, they have the right to do what they want with their leisure time..and cutting the wires is not only a bit mean but it's going to cause a lot of anger directed at you. they're not going to suddenly "see the light"...they're just going to be pissed. You don't really have a right to restrict their free time either, unless they're your children and you're their mother (different story entirely, but I don't get that impression).

just go do what you enjoy and try to include them...but unfortunately they just happen to enjoy different activities.

[teko]

Wow, I am one who can really identify with where you are coming from. I threw a television out to the garbage one time. Nope didnt work, cutting the wires will only make for some really ticked off people Im afraid! lol

My only suggestion would be for you to go about doing your own thing and if they will not join you, then go it alone. Sometimes they will get fed up and jealous and join you, others will simply be glad to get you out from under their feet and wish you a great time.