Date:   3/19/2012 12:13:36 PM ( 12 y ago)
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URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=1919930

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Not long after my twin boys were born (17 years ago) I made the decision to raise them without TV. I saw TV as pushing violence, premature sexuality, un-empowerment for males, etc.

Not that I believe the programming aimed at females is any less harmful in a different way .. but I have boys so that was my point of reference.

The entertainment industry claimed no responsibility for the programming saying it was up to the parents to monitor what their kids watch. Since there's no realistic way to do that other than pulling the plug - that's exactly what I did.

Yes I was concerned they'd feel out of the loop on certain pop memes in the culture but figured it a small price to pay. It turned out to be a non-issue.

How did the kids turn out? I'll leave the parental bragging to a minimum, but one thing is clear - they're abnormally normal and well adjusted (irony intended).

1) Growing up they've always been disgusted by most other boys their age that cry, whine or cling to their parents (or girlfriends). And it seemed to be just about everyone. They always seemed to have a stronger sense of security and identity than most other kids.

2) They were always big into pranks, practical jokes, playing outdoors, socializing, rock music. All the usual boy stuff that many kids these days seem to feel unimpowered to do.

3) Instead of the moody, teen alienation thing, we still all have fun together as a family at 17 yo, and they make fun of other moody teens, emo's, druggies, etc.

They're not angels, they get in trouble at school and elsewhere for their pranks and general mischief. But it's harmless boy stuff like putting gooey stuff on the teachers chair, slapping "I'm Homo." signs on peoples backs etc.

Not that adults don't treat it all like criminal offenses and hate crimes (but that's another subject).

Overall they work hard at school and are focused on getting into a top college. Their friends parents like them so much they even take them along on family vacations out of state. (and across racial lines, so far with a black family, Indian family and white family). They all feel they're a good influence on their own kids. Jesse Jackson would be proud.

OK maybe I bragged too much after all. But what I'm trying to get convey is how amazingly well adjusted they are in an almost a throw-back kind of way.

And I attribute most if not all of it to the lack of TV while growing up.

Growing up thinking their own thoughts at a natural pace, in a real passage of time... Instead of random artificial thoughts and emotions bombarding them all day at a lightening pace too fast for them to mentally assimilate. How could they NOT be better adjusted as they grow up?

For parents with young ones I couldn't recommend raising them without TV highly enough! You'll love the results!

 

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