Comments on: Fairfield Parenting Moment: On Unplugging the TV

By: Missy Keenan

Missy Keenan — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:14:22 +0000

I wouldn't say we were shamed into fitting into a philosophy. For a long time we had talked about limiting/cutting out tv for our son. We had just been too lazy to do it! We needed that extra push, and I'm glad we got it.

By: Will Merydith

Will Merydith — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:33:00 +0000

I'm curious Elise, do you have experience with other parents of Waldorf programs who "shamed" you, or do you get that from your experience with the Waldorf organization in general?

It's tough for me – I have a dislike of TV and am proud to not have it in my home, and I don't intend that to be a point of shame for anyone who disagrees or has Sesame Street on every morning. But often I encounter this perception of *shaming*, for lack of a better word.

By: Elise

Elise — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:23:03 +0000

I agree that too much or arguably any TV isn't great for kids. But this is an issue I have with schools like Waldorf…its not right to shame parents into fitting into a philosophy. You are the parents and it should be your decision whether or not to allow your child to watch tv.

By: DawnMerydith

DawnMerydith — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:42:42 +0000

Way to go! I'm impressed and inspired.

By: Missy Keenan

Missy Keenan — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:29:02 +0000

Today I'm working from home with a closed door while our son is with a babysitter in the next room. Normally I would have suggested a video to help keep him from running in here every 5 minutes, but today they're building a pirate ship together — a much more creative and fun activity!

By: Joan Masover

Joan Masover — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:11:30 +0000

Every parent should read "The Plug-In Drug" I have a copy that I'd happily lend to anyone; just email me at jmasover@gmail.com. TV and computer use was a major battleground in our home, and it was never resolved – the video games are even more addictive than TV. I could never get my husband to disconnect the cable for even a single month, because some sport was always in season — your example speaks louder than your words.

But there is a quote from Latin that's laster over 2000 years: "Dosis facit venemon"…"It is the dose that makes the poison". Even hemlock, which killed Socrates, is beneficial in small quantities. So don't go nuts on this; a little TV won't kill 'em.