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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Why I got rid of our TV and why I'll fight to keep it that way

This post may seem as though I'm sitting on my high horse looking down on everyone (because really, who doesn't own a TV?) but really it's a post about why I decided to banish the TV to the garage (yes we still own it but it's hiding in the garage) and why I'll fight to keep it that way.

I've actually always liked the idea of having no TV. Even in college my roommates and I didn't have cable--the cable company couldn't understand why we wouldn't want to bundle our internet with cable because IT WAS ACTUALLY CHEAPER to have cable and internet than just to have internet (this alone should tell us just how important it is to them for us to be watching TV).

The simple reason I got rid of the TV was because it's damaging to our two children. I think most everyone assumes that TV is bad for children but maybe doesn't realize just how terrible it is? I know I didn't. I knew that watching too much TV was bad but I figured a little in the evenings while I was making dinner wasn't really TOO bad but it is. It really is that terrible.

Anyway, it's bad and I got rid of the TV.  And I love what has been happening in my house since the TV is gone.

  • Firstly, I need to say that my 2 year old has asked to watch the TV one time since I removed it about a month ago. One time. She was watching Play School and Peppa Pig nearly every day and in one month she has asked about it only once!  
  • I feel like her imagination has exploded since the TV has gone missing. The way she plays pretend and the stories she invents are amazing. I am in awe of the way she has been playing lately. It's a joy to watch. 
  • I love the way our living room --formerly TV room-- is laid out. It's a perfect spot to sit and have coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening and actually converse instead of stare at the TV. 
  • I have been reading more, sewing more and have even started taking an online class!
  • My 2 year old has been more calm and happy lately too. We've been spending a lot more time outside because she wants to explore the rocks and plants and other life outside. 
Simply said, getting rid of the TV has been amazing and I really will fight to keep it that way. People think we're a bit nuts because EVERYONE has a TV. But we generally don't do the easy thing, we also don't own a microwave, and life is still bearable. 


Anyway, here are some other resources about TV viewing and children:

Simplicity Parenting--A wonderful, wonderful book. I probably should write an entire post about how much I love this book.

NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children--Also a great book. Amazing research on the way children behave. 

AhaParenting.com-- Great article with other resources about TV for children. 


I can't forget to  include some recent photos for family overseas either :) 



The girls at the zoo. They both loved this albino python

C on "western day" for daycare

More of C's "shape people"

E loves to play the piano

baby E about a month ago

C in our lovely new wrap!



Friday, March 14, 2014

Mini Photo Shoot

I took the girls outside yesterday to take photos of some of the things I've been making and ended up with these lovely photos.

C really really wanted to ride on the 'see-saw' with E...E doesn't look very impressed


E trying on the slouchy hat 

and C trying on the blue hat







I've already posted this photo but I LOVE it

Thursday, March 13, 2014

NapTimeNicole

I've renamed and revamped my Etsy shop! I wanted a new name because I want to sell things other than nappies. I've made more than enough nappies for my girls and have grown bored with nappy making. (Not to say that I wouldn't be willing to make more if someone wanted them.)

I'm now selling --for the time being-- crochet items. Right now my inventory includes, hats, beanies with beards attached and slippers. I'm working everyday to create new items for my shop and my facebook page is always being updated with the latest items.

Here are most of the things I'm selling at the moment:












Sunday, March 2, 2014

February


February was a very busy month, which is why I'm just now getting around to posting anything at all.

Mom came for a visit so the beginning of the month was spent getting ready for Mom's arrival. There was also, my birthday and C's best friend's birthday. We had a great month and can't believe it's already over!

cute new outfits from Nana!


Spending the day at the zoo for D's birthday

Byron Bay for my birthday


Mom and I hiked up to the light house

and an early February photo of C on the flying fox. Good thing she has a strong grip.

Photo update

This is just a short post to put up some recent photos of the family.

We spent the weekend at the Sunny Coast with family and took some lovely photos while we were there.








January

This post is clearly very late but life is busy so..better late than never.

January was a great month and went by too quickly. C turned 2! We took her to the zoo for her birthday and then had a small party at our house where she had fish and chips for her birthday dinner! She got lots of great gifts and had a really great day.

I can't remember what this lizard is called but C liked seeing the animals this close and touching them

Echidna

E reading the map

Not so sure about the Kookaburra

Wild lizard!

very large tortoise

scary dino


they were walking the baby tigers too! C desperately wanted to pet them

C's favorite part was feeding the sheep


Terry, Bindi and Robert Irwin were at the zoo the day that we went!


C's watermelon "cake"

Birthday present from Mom and Dad

Baby E

C loves her baby sister so much