TV Turn-Off Week: Five Ways to Pass the Time

Posted by Charlene Prince Birkeland

This week is National TV-Turnoff Week. My family has been TV-free for nearly four years, so this week isn't any different for us than any other with one exception: we're not letting our little guys watch a movie on the laptop. We usually have movie time once or twice a week -- a "privilege" earned from completing a laundry list of preschooler-geared chores. But dropping it for a week is a pretty easy thing to do since it doesn't take up much of our time anyway.

However, for those parents that do have a television, turning it off for the family can be a difficult challenge. I remember our first week without the television. As with the breaking of any habit, distraction is the key to success.

If you're participating in TV-Turnoff Week, you've got four days left. And if you're like me, you're searching for ways to keep yourself busy. Here's the thing -- you know all those things you say you never have time to do because you're too busy? If you turn off the television, you've just opened up some time.

No no, don't go over to your computer or laptop to fill that gap. Don't check your work email. Don't start a new work-related project. Try something else. Something fun.

Here are five things you can do to avoid the tube...and successfully complete TV-Turnoff Week.

-Read a book: If you're like me, you have a list or pile of books that you want to read the next time you have a free moment. So, pick one up and start reading. Maybe it'll turn into a marathon book night. See how many books you can read in a week. Just don't go for The Nannie Diaries (you've been warned).

-Cook or bake: Don't you have a recipe you've always wanted to try? Cookbooks sitting on your shelves collecting dust? Break 'em out and try some new eats. You can also get the kids involved. Check out Mollie Katzen's two children's cookbooks if you need ideas: Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers & Up and Honest Pretzels: And 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up.

-Get outside: I'm in Silicon Valley where we're already experiencing warm air so perhaps I'm spoiled on this one. But with longer days and improving weather, it's so easy to stay outside until early evening. Walks to the local park, neighborhood strolls, family gardening...all great ways to enjoy some time together outdoors.

-Get crafty:  I know, I know...replace one habit with another, right? At least you'll feel productive with this one! Pick up a new hobby -- scrapbooking, painting, sewing. So what if you've never tried. If Mike Adamick can learn how to sew, so can you.

-Sleep. When all else fails, sleep. How many nights have you stayed up late watching television, gone to bed, and then woken up the next morning only to feel exhausted from your late night? So don't do it. We all have read that working moms aren't getting enough rest. So after the kids are in bed, take advantage of some extra quiet time and sleep.