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We have lived with and without a TV. Here are my observations.

We are now living in Sydney Australia but we were living on the Greek islands in our family home for about a year, without a TV! Without a TV my 4 year old son spent most of his time outdoors, reading books, learning to read and write, communicating with us, family, friends and neighbours.

SPEAKING & WRITING abilities improved without a TV. He had more time for these activities. He spent more time in relationships, learning and conveying, expressing, sharing. His language developed.

SOCIALLY he was more enthusiastic, and responded to all who spoke to him. Admittedly we lived with family near by and he saw all age groups daily.

EATING He ate well, he ate with us, which encouraged him to try different foods, as opposed to now where he would prefer to take his plate into the bedroom and eat there. TV also influences the types of food he eats and wants to try.

DISCIPLINE & RESPECT He had more respect and responded to us positively. Like a little adult. I guess he felt like he was included in everything. He is still a good child now but he spends less time with us and more time watching his favourite video over and over again. Naturally relationships grow and develop with more time spent.

SLEEPING No problems at all. He slept close to the same time everyday. He was so exhausted, not only physically from all the outdoor play, but mentally, from the stimulation of interaction and observation.

GROSS MOTOR & FITNESS Physically I remember looking at him at the beach and looking again, noticing our 4 year old had a natural 6 pack! (Huh which is gone now!) Thanks to chips and and pizza infront of the TV on Friday nights. It is amazing how easy we transform under the right circumstances, environment and lifestyle.

If TV is not there, naturally we will search for other things to do. It is those other things that lead to an improvement in our overall well being. Unfortunately today our children are influenced by many outside factors and as parents we must decide whether to go against that and risk making our children feel left out. Non TV living would be alot easier if support of the idea were to grow.

Learn more about this author, Sophia Paradeisi.
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