We haven't had television in our home for years. Several years ago, my husband and I had our tv shut off to save money. We were using that money for ministry school. That didn't last long, however. Soon my husband's job cut hours and that money for school wasn't there.
Over the years, we never turned the television back on. There is so much stuff on tv that I don't want in our home that I just never had it turned back on. Instead, we made do with Netflix. Recently we added Christian Cinema to the mix. We also had the internet.
Then I sat back and evaluated. Financially, I was spending a LOT of money for all of these services. Netflix streaming has just as many shows that I didn't want my kids watching. The DVD queue I had was not being followed. For the last month Netflix stopped following my queue and began sending me nothing but Veggietales movies. Yes, they were on the list, but nowhere near my top selections. I guess I should have cleaned out my queue because some of the selections we now own.
When I looked at the queue selections for both Netflix and Christian Cinema, I realized the majority of the DVDs we rented were television shows that we could find as reruns on various stations on tv. There were a couple that I couldn't find, but most were easy.
When the television selections your family enjoys are things such as Little House on the Prairie or Sue Thomas FBEye, then it becomes time for a decision.
With my kids getting older, I wanted to be able to watch the news with them and discuss world events. Things such as the attacks on US Embassies in foreign countries or the upcoming election are important events for middle and high school students.
So... After at least five years, we ordered a small satellite package. We don't have all the fancy stations. Parental blocks are going to be put on. Our Netflix DVDs will be canceled. Unfortunately, for financial reasons, our Christian Cinema will be downgraded or canceled.
I prayed about this and discussed it at length with my husband. We are very cautious with what our children watch. But with parental controls, diligence, and possibly purchasing a Guardian device to help, we felt this was actually more affordable.
My final concern is that my kids will become couch potatoes. Well, we have rules already in place about when the television its allowed on and why. Yes, we're a bit strict, but I'm okay with that.
This decision was difficult. I have strong feelings about tv exposure. If we allow trash in our mind or the mind of our children, there will be consequences. I was hesitant for a long time. But, I decided to look at the tv like my Nook or the computer. It's a tool. It can be used for good or bad. It's my choice.
Over the years, we never turned the television back on. There is so much stuff on tv that I don't want in our home that I just never had it turned back on. Instead, we made do with Netflix. Recently we added Christian Cinema to the mix. We also had the internet.
Then I sat back and evaluated. Financially, I was spending a LOT of money for all of these services. Netflix streaming has just as many shows that I didn't want my kids watching. The DVD queue I had was not being followed. For the last month Netflix stopped following my queue and began sending me nothing but Veggietales movies. Yes, they were on the list, but nowhere near my top selections. I guess I should have cleaned out my queue because some of the selections we now own.
When I looked at the queue selections for both Netflix and Christian Cinema, I realized the majority of the DVDs we rented were television shows that we could find as reruns on various stations on tv. There were a couple that I couldn't find, but most were easy.
When the television selections your family enjoys are things such as Little House on the Prairie or Sue Thomas FBEye, then it becomes time for a decision.
With my kids getting older, I wanted to be able to watch the news with them and discuss world events. Things such as the attacks on US Embassies in foreign countries or the upcoming election are important events for middle and high school students.
So... After at least five years, we ordered a small satellite package. We don't have all the fancy stations. Parental blocks are going to be put on. Our Netflix DVDs will be canceled. Unfortunately, for financial reasons, our Christian Cinema will be downgraded or canceled.
I prayed about this and discussed it at length with my husband. We are very cautious with what our children watch. But with parental controls, diligence, and possibly purchasing a Guardian device to help, we felt this was actually more affordable.
My final concern is that my kids will become couch potatoes. Well, we have rules already in place about when the television its allowed on and why. Yes, we're a bit strict, but I'm okay with that.
This decision was difficult. I have strong feelings about tv exposure. If we allow trash in our mind or the mind of our children, there will be consequences. I was hesitant for a long time. But, I decided to look at the tv like my Nook or the computer. It's a tool. It can be used for good or bad. It's my choice.
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