Comments on: TV, ADHD, and other random thoughts

By: AttachedMama

AttachedMama — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:14:25 +0000

I think if your child sees you and Jon reading and is surrounded by books, they will love books. It doesn’t mean they can’t love TV too though. Meredith loves books, and will snuggle and read stories with us almost every day. But sometimes I’ll offer to read to her and she’ll choose to watch TV instead. Other days though, she will choose a book over the TV. I have to remind myself sometimes that she is her own person and what I want for her isn’t necessarily what she wants for herself! When the girls are a bit older, we’ll likely start some sort of family game and/or movie night too.

I agree about the TV being seasonal. It’s cold here, and hard for her to get about outside with her winter boots, but I can’t carry her and Fiona through the forest. I think once she doesn’t need the heavy clothing she’ll enjoy it a lot more.

I can get incredibly distracted sometimes too, but mostly it’s when I’m hyperfocused on something else. It can be frustrating, especially I think for other people who are trying to talk to me and then I realize I haven’t heard a word they’ve said. Oops!

By: AttachedMama

AttachedMama — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:10:31 +0000

I’m glad you enjoyed it Debbie! It’s a result of late-night rambling when I really should have been in bed haha. I barely even proof read it I was so tired at the end. Meredith does the same: running out to check on us, for a quick connect, for food and drink.

By: AttachedMama

AttachedMama — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:09:36 +0000

Ah yes, the love/hate relationship… Me too. I think I’d be quite happy most days if the TV were to die. But Meredith and Kris wouldn’t, so that’s not really fair of me. Both of them seem to like to relax in front of it. And again, who am I to say that my ways of relaxing (scrapbooking, reading, gardening, sleeping) are better than Kris’ (watching movies, playing video games, reading) or Meredith’s (watching movies, reading, cuddling).

By: Natalie

Natalie — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:17:52 +0000

TV has been something Jon and I have been discussing a lot lately. We have been pondering switching to Netflixs to save money. But I’ve found that there are days I just find TV annoying and can’t stand having it on. I really want my child to love books. I feel like reading offers a similar level of entertainment but also builds vocabulary and creativity.
I agree that TV and movies have their place but I hope by offering richer options to my child they will choose something more enriching to do than watch TV. That being said, as a child I loved family movie nights so I think that is a tradition we will carry on with our own children.
Your ADHD sounds different from what I have. I have some pretty severe bouts of ADHD. There are days that I really want to read about something or finish a project but even if I’m interested I can’t settle myself enough to focus. It’s incredibly frustrating and debilitating when I really want to know how a book ends but can’t get my mind to focus on reading enough to finish the story. I’m really hoping that my form of ADHD is not passed on to my kid.
I think you may find that Meredith’s TV watching is seasonal. Once the river has gone down and the weather has warmed up I imagine she won’t want to spend too much time inside watching TV. I’m the same way. The wet and windy weather has made me just want to lay under my blankets and watch old movies

By: Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:05:53 +0000

Great post, Lindsay. This really spoke to me on so many levels.

I’m struggling right now with Isaac only wanting to be on the computer. (We don’t have a tv – so that has never been an issue – but same difference, really.)

Like Meredith, he likes the same shows…same episodes and I notice the things he learns from it: doing voices, acting (or recreating), making up new stories for the characters of a who he likes.

I like what you said about “maybe Meredith’s interest right now is TV” because I feel like that about Isaac and there have been many times I’ve wanted to (and some where I have, out of fear) put restrictions on his usage of the computer. I think he gets a little over-stimulated from it as he’s pretty sensitive, but I’ve also witnessed him shut it down and leave the office saying, “I’m all done computer time, Mummy.”

Trusting our kids is so important and while he could still be sitting in front of the computer in 5 years, I trust that his interests will change to the point that he will be forced to seek out other resources and tools for learning. And, as I type this to you, he keeps running out of the office, grabbing food, running around the living room and then back in to sit – for a few minutes. He’s not glued to the screen, he leaves for food, water, excercise. He leaves to come and connect with me via a snuggle and a kiss.

Okay, this has brought much clarity. Thank you for writing this all out. I need to remember to step back and not worry so much. To trust that he will find his way if I get out of his way. And to remember that all his interests are equally valid. Not just the reading and numbers.

Much love to you, wise mama.

Debbie

By: JenBetweenDots

JenBetweenDots — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:02:19 +0000

I have a love/hate relationship with TV. Right now I (obviously) don’t have TV or cable or anything resembling a television and to be honest, I kind of miss being able to veg out and watch a few shows. On the other hand, I know in the winter I used to veg out way too often and watch TV all day, and I’m pretty sure it’s better this way!
There are some shows that are fun, and as a kid why not spend an hour watching something? Probably the problem arises when your kids don’t WANT to do anything else or spend all day everyday couped up.