The Contrast

I just had to contrast these two pictures.  You see, there is such a huge difference between interaction and passive entertainment.  Yesterday I noticed this in Megan.  Here, with her sister coloring with her, she was engaged and talking and having fun.  And then, when we went to the store, I caught this picture...

She looked so small.  She was passively watching TV, or many TVs, and could have stayed there for a long time without talking to anyone or noticing anything about the world around her. 

We shut off our TV over a year ago.  While we watch videos, we don't have satellite or cable.  Megan watches a few shows on DVD, but she doesn't watch a lot of TV.  So, when it is on someplace she is drawn to it.  The thing is that I notice that she could totally veg-out watching TV, and that isn't what I want for her.  She's a bright girl.  She likes to be outside or playing toys.  She has her favorite movies, but I've really tried to limit her time in front of even movies or children's shows on DVD.   She LOVES Veggietales.  I don't mind her watching, but with balance.  You see, there is so much in the world.  I've watched other children become TV addicts.  I would rather her go outside or play with her baby doll.