For The Child
April 23, 2007

Ready, Set, Turn it off!

Join millions of Americans who will be turning off their TVs for a week starting April 23, 2007!

There are hundreds, if not thousands of reasons that we should limit how much television our kids watch. For example:

• The CDC estimates the 27% of all Americans are obese and the incidence of obesity in children has skyrocketed from 4% in 1965 to 15% in 2003-and climbing
• On average, children in the US will spend more time in front of the television (1,023 hours) than in school this year (900 hours).
• 40% of American families eat dinner with the television on.
• By the age of 18, American children will see more than 200,000 acts of violence and 16,000 murders.
• Television cements stereotypes by presenting distorted and inaccurate views of people, cultures and traditions.

Still not convinced that you should be turning off your TV in April? Check out www.tvturnoff.org for some more scary statistics!

If you decide to turn off your television for the week and want to prevent your kids' inevitable "I'm bored" whine you should have some alternative activities up your sleeve.

• Walk the dog-if you have one. If not, go to your local animal shelter and volunteer to walk the dogs there. Most shelters are happy for the help and it is a great outing for everyone. It's like having a dog-without the responsibility!
• Have a party-for no reason. It doesn't have to be elaborate. It can be just a few friends over for pizza. You can visit with the grownups while the kids entertain each other.
• Write a book together. Brainstorm a subject and get to work. You and your children can write the words and then your children can illustrate it. You can even get your book bound-check out: Illustory on Amazon.com. or at Target or Toys 'R Us. It could be the most fun your family can have for $20!
• Paint the shed (or the fence). Play Tom Sawyer for a day. Let your imagination go while you paint the inside (or outside of your shed). Let the children pick the colors, grab a paint brush and have some fun while getting the work done.
• Research an animal to 'adopt'. Visit your local aquarium, zoo or animal park and help rescue wildlife. You can 'adopt' a lion from www.outofafricapark.com or a dolphin from www.atlantismarineworld.com/rescue.html
• Get Physical. With the days lengthening and getting warmer you can do lots of fun things-roller blade, bike riding, playing hopscotch are easy and fun ways to get moving and forget about TV.
• Play board games. This is a great week to introduce your kids to the board games you played as a kid and to let your kids introduce you to their games. Let each family member choose a game each night. You will be surprised how many times your seven-year old can beat you at Scrabble.
• Plant a garden. Nothing beats digging in the dirt. Carve out a small plot of land in your garden for your kids. Take a trip to the local garden center and have them pick out the flowers and plants that they want to grow. Young kids will also love their own pint-sized gardening tools and gloves. You will have a garden and tired and happy kids.

Despite all of your planning, your children (and even your spouse/significant other) may utter the dreaded "I'm bored". Stay strong in your resolve not to turn on the TV and you will find that the boredom will pass-and what comes next might surprise you.

Let us know how you do and how you do it: customercare@simpleasthat.com and we will do the same!