The Hibbert Boys and Too Much TV

We love the Berenstain Bear books around here. I love that they teach a moral, well one of Conner's favorites is about too much tv, probably because that is what was going on at our house. I am totally to blame. A couple of weeks ago I was extremely preoccupied with a Young Women activity I was in charge of and a lesson I had to teach as well and so the tv and computer became the babysitter. The boys would turn on the tv as soon as they woke up and it was like pulling teeth to get Conner ready for school because he was so glued to the tv. Both Conner and Sam love to play on the computer and then there's Mike right there beside them watching. Now I'm not against tv or computer games but like Mama Bear, the tv habit. All the boys get so cranky and irritable after watching too much media. So two weeks ago for fhe we read the Bears book and discussed it and we decided as a family we wouldn't watch any tv or play on the computer for the whole week, even parents. Neither Neil or I watch much tv so that wasn't an issue but the computer--oh the hours I waste away on the computer usually while the boys were watching tv. I didn't even check couponing sites and oh the deals I missed out on especially on diapers but that's just a little sacrafice. I did have to check my email each night but that was about all. The challenge is over and we all survived and the change that has taken place is amazing. Conner rarely played with his brothers. He was usually in his own little world doing math problems or something. Actually all the boys were in their own world. Sam would play dinosaurs by himself and Mikey trains. The first day was kind of hard for the boys. We played probably 20 different games. The house was a mess but we had fun and we were all playing together. During this week there was a lot more reading. Conner came home with 14 books from school that his teacher gave him to read while he was off track. He thought he'd surprise her and read them all that night so me and the three boys spent 1 1/2 hours on the couch while Conner read us the books and we looked at the pictures. There has been a lot more snuggling and tickling and wrestling. The boys have been so much more happier and rarely fight and aren't cranky. Yes my house is a complete disaster, more than before, but it's because we're playing all day long. I haven't gotten anything done because I've been playing with the boys. Elmo has become Conner's best friend and Curious George is Sam's and they role play with those two stuffed animals all day long. Each morning whoever wakes up first comes into my bed and says, "I wish Conner or Sam would wake up so we can play." Conner will actually play with Mikey and help him. No one ever played with Mikey before because he's really no fun to play with because it has to be his way but not anymore. I am so sad and guilty that I let my calling come before my family for awhile. Now I know we all have those days where we need to get things done and we let our kids watch movies or whatever but I was letting it happen every day for a long time. I seriously can't get over how the atmosphere in our home has changed. So now the week is over and at last FHE we disussed the changes that happened in the home and everyone agreed they liked it so what do we do now. We have decided Tuesday is TV day and everyone can pick one 30 minute show to watch. This week Sam and Mikey chose Dinosaur Train and Conner chose Family Feud. Thursday is
Computer Day and everyone can play on the computer for 30 minutes and Friday is still Movie Night. As I write this the boys are playing house with Conner as dad but Sammy doesn't want to be the mommy so they asked if Lucy could be the mommy but she's asleep. Sam is the son and Mikey is the puppy.

I love my family so much and I want them to love and enjoy each other. Last month the VTing message was on personal revelation. When I read it I felt like I get a lot of revelation for my calling. I'm actually amazed at it but I didn't feel like I got much for my family in comparison so I really began working to receive more and that's how this whole no tv week came about. Pretty amazing. I can't think of anything else that could have had a bigger impact on our relationships. I love the Lord and the promptings he sends to help us be better if we just listen.