Children and television
Diana Partington
Hi! I certainly don't want to add to anyone's feelings of guilt (guilt in
motherhood is like an epidemic) but speaking as one who has very strong
feelings about the damage television does to very young children
(especially), I strongly encourage that everyone take a look at these two
websites especially www.truceteachers.org <http://www.truceteachers.org>
(TRUCE stands for Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment).
Please remember that children under 5 are not able to make a strong
distinction between fantasy and reality-inappropriate programming can be
incredibly damaging. If for some reason you need to use the tv as a baby
sitter, please be discerning about what is age appropriate. I find with my
daughter, that when I am sick or something and unable to keep up with her
and I plant her infront of sesame street videos a little too much-then she
falls into a pattern acting "addicted" to the screen. But most of the time,
she won't even look at a one of her educational videos for weeks at a time.
And then she is totally uninterested and wanders away after half an hour.
Please remember-you are the adult. If you are uncomfortable about the
amount of television your child is watching-and especially it's content.
You can do something about it. Put the tv in the garage for a month and see
how life changes. I promise it will be for the better. And you may find
that nobody misses it.
www.tvturnoff.org
http://www.truceteachers.org/ <http://www.truceteachers.org/>
Sincerely,
Diana Partington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
motherhood is like an epidemic) but speaking as one who has very strong
feelings about the damage television does to very young children
(especially), I strongly encourage that everyone take a look at these two
websites especially www.truceteachers.org <http://www.truceteachers.org>
(TRUCE stands for Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment).
Please remember that children under 5 are not able to make a strong
distinction between fantasy and reality-inappropriate programming can be
incredibly damaging. If for some reason you need to use the tv as a baby
sitter, please be discerning about what is age appropriate. I find with my
daughter, that when I am sick or something and unable to keep up with her
and I plant her infront of sesame street videos a little too much-then she
falls into a pattern acting "addicted" to the screen. But most of the time,
she won't even look at a one of her educational videos for weeks at a time.
And then she is totally uninterested and wanders away after half an hour.
Please remember-you are the adult. If you are uncomfortable about the
amount of television your child is watching-and especially it's content.
You can do something about it. Put the tv in the garage for a month and see
how life changes. I promise it will be for the better. And you may find
that nobody misses it.
www.tvturnoff.org
http://www.truceteachers.org/ <http://www.truceteachers.org/>
Sincerely,
Diana Partington
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Fetteroll
on 11/13/01 2:13 AM, Diana Partington at diana@... wrote:
anything that will support those opinions, like picking and choosing what
scientific findings to present as "facts" and ignoring anything counter to
their position.
From their "Facts about Children, Media and Violence":
Children average 35 hours per week of screen time including TV, video
games and videos.
That's sufficiently appalling to rally around. But think about it. That's an
average of 5 hours a day everyday of the year. And since it's an average
presumably some kids are doing more to make up for those who are doing less.
Most kids are in school and have homework and, if our town is typical,
they're *way* overscheduled with afterschool activities. So how are they
managing to squeeze in those 35 hours? They're either pigging out on the
weekends and over the summer, or some kids are doing nothing but TV watching
and video game playing!
So the question is -- *if* those are accurate statistics and I'm having a
tough time figuring out how it's possible -- why? Are kids using video as a
relaxant (as adults often do) from the stress of school? If that's so, how
does that apply to unschooled kids? Do they have nothing else in their lives
that's more interesting? Are they disconnected to their parents and
families?
If kids are watching that much TV, is TV the cause or is TV the symptom of
something else entirely?
We're a TV watching family and eat dinner while watching a movie. My
daughter often watches cartoons and can watch as much as she wants whenever
she wants. She does go on binges watching a lot of TV where she might make
35 hours in a week. And she goes on binges where she doesn't watch TV or
play video games or get on the computer. But as an average over a year? Not
even close.
Heavy TV viewers are less imaginative, more aggressive, and have poorer
concentration.
I would question that on a number of levels. First I'd question that it's a
"fact" and not a conclusion. And poorer concentration? If they're doing
*anything* heavily, then they're concentrating. I suspect whoever came up
with the study means they can't concentrate on boring school work. Perhaps
because they're visual learners? Perhaps because they've realized the
meaninglessness of school and are using TV as an escape so they don't *want*
to concentrate on something they've concluded is meaningless?
Again, is TV the cause of this or a symptom? Are they agressive because of
their lives and find TV a satisfying outlet?
Viewing media violence can make children more aggressive, fearful,
disrespectful and insensitive to the effects of violence.
Kids who watch TV with their families? Who have a parent who is available to
do things?
The problem with all studies is they study schooled kids. The researchers
aren't aware of how huge an impact that school has on kids' lives. And even
if they were aware it's not a factor that can be easily eliminated.
Children's TV has 5 times as many acts of violence per hour as adult TV
(26 vs 5).
It would be interesting how they counted acts of violence. Is Wiley Coyote
getting blown up by his own inventions and stupidity violence?
Kids are wired differently than adults and most need actions to understand.
They also think getting bopped on the head or having paint dumped on someone
is funny. It's hard to have a superhero rescuing people unless there's some
threat going on. Do kids watch action because that's what programmers are
feeding them or because that's how they make sense of the world? Kids games
are action oriented and some are "violent" (involving contact). (Not that I
don't think programmers wouldn't take advantage of the kids' need for action
and program for maximum action to draw as many kids as possible. I think
insisting stations supply so many hours of educational programming per day
is a good thing.)
The misuse of science is a pet peeve of mine.
kids, who are separated from their kids because of work and school. It's
kind of hard not to be aware of what a child is getting from TV when we are
living right beside them. Sometimes kids get scared. Spiders or action
figures or picture books can scare kids. Sometimes kids get the idea they
can fly. But part of unschooling is providing them a safe place for their
fantasies and fears.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I strongly encourage that everyone take a look at these twoTo me it looks like they have strong opinions and are willing to grasp at
> websites especially www.truceteachers.org <http://www.truceteachers.org>
> (TRUCE stands for Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment).
anything that will support those opinions, like picking and choosing what
scientific findings to present as "facts" and ignoring anything counter to
their position.
From their "Facts about Children, Media and Violence":
Children average 35 hours per week of screen time including TV, video
games and videos.
That's sufficiently appalling to rally around. But think about it. That's an
average of 5 hours a day everyday of the year. And since it's an average
presumably some kids are doing more to make up for those who are doing less.
Most kids are in school and have homework and, if our town is typical,
they're *way* overscheduled with afterschool activities. So how are they
managing to squeeze in those 35 hours? They're either pigging out on the
weekends and over the summer, or some kids are doing nothing but TV watching
and video game playing!
So the question is -- *if* those are accurate statistics and I'm having a
tough time figuring out how it's possible -- why? Are kids using video as a
relaxant (as adults often do) from the stress of school? If that's so, how
does that apply to unschooled kids? Do they have nothing else in their lives
that's more interesting? Are they disconnected to their parents and
families?
If kids are watching that much TV, is TV the cause or is TV the symptom of
something else entirely?
We're a TV watching family and eat dinner while watching a movie. My
daughter often watches cartoons and can watch as much as she wants whenever
she wants. She does go on binges watching a lot of TV where she might make
35 hours in a week. And she goes on binges where she doesn't watch TV or
play video games or get on the computer. But as an average over a year? Not
even close.
Heavy TV viewers are less imaginative, more aggressive, and have poorer
concentration.
I would question that on a number of levels. First I'd question that it's a
"fact" and not a conclusion. And poorer concentration? If they're doing
*anything* heavily, then they're concentrating. I suspect whoever came up
with the study means they can't concentrate on boring school work. Perhaps
because they're visual learners? Perhaps because they've realized the
meaninglessness of school and are using TV as an escape so they don't *want*
to concentrate on something they've concluded is meaningless?
Again, is TV the cause of this or a symptom? Are they agressive because of
their lives and find TV a satisfying outlet?
Viewing media violence can make children more aggressive, fearful,
disrespectful and insensitive to the effects of violence.
Kids who watch TV with their families? Who have a parent who is available to
do things?
The problem with all studies is they study schooled kids. The researchers
aren't aware of how huge an impact that school has on kids' lives. And even
if they were aware it's not a factor that can be easily eliminated.
Children's TV has 5 times as many acts of violence per hour as adult TV
(26 vs 5).
It would be interesting how they counted acts of violence. Is Wiley Coyote
getting blown up by his own inventions and stupidity violence?
Kids are wired differently than adults and most need actions to understand.
They also think getting bopped on the head or having paint dumped on someone
is funny. It's hard to have a superhero rescuing people unless there's some
threat going on. Do kids watch action because that's what programmers are
feeding them or because that's how they make sense of the world? Kids games
are action oriented and some are "violent" (involving contact). (Not that I
don't think programmers wouldn't take advantage of the kids' need for action
and program for maximum action to draw as many kids as possible. I think
insisting stations supply so many hours of educational programming per day
is a good thing.)
The misuse of science is a pet peeve of mine.
> Please remember that children under 5 are not able to make a strongThis is a more appropriate warning to parents who aren't attuned to their
> distinction between fantasy and reality-inappropriate programming can be
> incredibly damaging.
kids, who are separated from their kids because of work and school. It's
kind of hard not to be aware of what a child is getting from TV when we are
living right beside them. Sometimes kids get scared. Spiders or action
figures or picture books can scare kids. Sometimes kids get the idea they
can fly. But part of unschooling is providing them a safe place for their
fantasies and fears.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
<< Do kids watch action because that's what programmers are
feeding them or because that's how they make sense of the world? >>
Or because the "non-action" dramas that some adults love are in NO way of
interest to kids? Why would a four year old boy watch Casablanca? It's
people talking. And they're talking about things that aren't even happening
onscreen. Comparing all the chick flicks, past and present, to all the
cartoons and saying "more violent" about cartoons is not scientifically
valid. It's comparing apples and 2x4's.
<< It's
kind of hard not to be aware of what a child is getting from TV when we are
living right beside them. Sometimes kids get scared. >>
A friend my age told me of sneaking up behind his dad's chair, when he was
little, and watching Frankenstein, the old Boris Karloff one, when it was on
TV one night. The dad said "GO TO BED." But he stayed and watched and it
scared him badly. He didn't know it from a news show.
Now his dad was a sadistic violent kind of guy, but IF (just if) since the
kid had already seen some of it, the dad (who was watching it) could have
invited said kid to sit on his lap, and he could have told him it was an all
made-up story, that no such thing could really happen, and talk about
movie-making and make-up, it could have been a really nice session between
them, and the fright would have dissipated.
The model of a school kid zoning out in front of a TV for five hours and then
not having studied his social studies which in turn inconveniences his
teacher is a world away from my kids watching The Tick with me, and
discussing literary references, or parodies of other movies and characters.
The report of the ideas of teachers about the effects of TV ring like
duct-tape bells. I see my own kids, and others I know, who can turn the TV
on when they want, and I see them turning it off as often as they turn it on.
I see them learning, and asking intelligent questions, and NOT being average
or lowest common denominator kinds of people, but interesting, thoughtful,
funny, bright people. They live without shame and fear, while some other
families who hope to save their children from some incidental fears or ill
effects of TV do themselves bring shame and fear into the family situation.
My kids aren't getting shame and fear from me, and neither are they getting
it from the TV. I'm not having to be dishonest about the horrors and evils
of TV, I'm not having to shame them for even having thought to have wanted
some of it.
Yes there's some junk on TV. There's junk at the candy counter too. There's
junk in books too. There's junk on the internet too. My kids don't dig
through the trash, they don't hunt up junk, they don't eat crap. WHY?
Because it's not good. Given a choice between something good and something
stupid, why would they choose "stupid"? (Although when the Simpsons had
Judge Judy jokes this week, Marty was able to tell me which parts indicated
Judge Judy which ways, because I haven't seen her but he has.)
Sandra
----------------------------------------------------
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
feeding them or because that's how they make sense of the world? >>
Or because the "non-action" dramas that some adults love are in NO way of
interest to kids? Why would a four year old boy watch Casablanca? It's
people talking. And they're talking about things that aren't even happening
onscreen. Comparing all the chick flicks, past and present, to all the
cartoons and saying "more violent" about cartoons is not scientifically
valid. It's comparing apples and 2x4's.
<< It's
kind of hard not to be aware of what a child is getting from TV when we are
living right beside them. Sometimes kids get scared. >>
A friend my age told me of sneaking up behind his dad's chair, when he was
little, and watching Frankenstein, the old Boris Karloff one, when it was on
TV one night. The dad said "GO TO BED." But he stayed and watched and it
scared him badly. He didn't know it from a news show.
Now his dad was a sadistic violent kind of guy, but IF (just if) since the
kid had already seen some of it, the dad (who was watching it) could have
invited said kid to sit on his lap, and he could have told him it was an all
made-up story, that no such thing could really happen, and talk about
movie-making and make-up, it could have been a really nice session between
them, and the fright would have dissipated.
The model of a school kid zoning out in front of a TV for five hours and then
not having studied his social studies which in turn inconveniences his
teacher is a world away from my kids watching The Tick with me, and
discussing literary references, or parodies of other movies and characters.
The report of the ideas of teachers about the effects of TV ring like
duct-tape bells. I see my own kids, and others I know, who can turn the TV
on when they want, and I see them turning it off as often as they turn it on.
I see them learning, and asking intelligent questions, and NOT being average
or lowest common denominator kinds of people, but interesting, thoughtful,
funny, bright people. They live without shame and fear, while some other
families who hope to save their children from some incidental fears or ill
effects of TV do themselves bring shame and fear into the family situation.
My kids aren't getting shame and fear from me, and neither are they getting
it from the TV. I'm not having to be dishonest about the horrors and evils
of TV, I'm not having to shame them for even having thought to have wanted
some of it.
Yes there's some junk on TV. There's junk at the candy counter too. There's
junk in books too. There's junk on the internet too. My kids don't dig
through the trash, they don't hunt up junk, they don't eat crap. WHY?
Because it's not good. Given a choice between something good and something
stupid, why would they choose "stupid"? (Although when the Simpsons had
Judge Judy jokes this week, Marty was able to tell me which parts indicated
Judge Judy which ways, because I haven't seen her but he has.)
Sandra
----------------------------------------------------
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
[email protected]
I have a two year old who is CONSTANTLY watching videos. He picks
out the video he wants from the shelf, puts it in the vcr and presses
play. When it's over, he can hit eject and take it out of the vcr.
We have two tvs with vcrs and often he has a video going in two
different rooms. Sometimes I worry that he's watching too much. On
the other hand, maybe there's something that he's especially gifted
with that he's trying to develop through all his putting videos in
and out of vcrs. He does the same thing with computer games. He
knows which button will hit and what will happen if he puts a game in
and closes it again. I had to teach him NOT to turn my computer off
and on because for awhile he was getting a kick out of that and it
wasn't very good for my computer. :) He loves to sit and watch his
older brothers and sisters play computer games and although he
doesn't have the skill to use a mouse yet, he sometimes tries and I
bet it won't be long until he can use one. It's also amazing that he
seems to know which video or computer cd he is going to be playing,
even if they aren't with their cases. Perhaps he's recognizing the
letters or the colors and associating them with a particular story?
So I do think that a true unschooler wouldn't limit tv/video watching
as long as the child is being responsible in doing chores. As a
Christian, I also feel that God wants me to make sure that they don't
watch anything that contradicts God's Word or is not honoring to
Him. My kids know that there are certain tv shows they simply aren't
allowed to watch.
Sheila
out the video he wants from the shelf, puts it in the vcr and presses
play. When it's over, he can hit eject and take it out of the vcr.
We have two tvs with vcrs and often he has a video going in two
different rooms. Sometimes I worry that he's watching too much. On
the other hand, maybe there's something that he's especially gifted
with that he's trying to develop through all his putting videos in
and out of vcrs. He does the same thing with computer games. He
knows which button will hit and what will happen if he puts a game in
and closes it again. I had to teach him NOT to turn my computer off
and on because for awhile he was getting a kick out of that and it
wasn't very good for my computer. :) He loves to sit and watch his
older brothers and sisters play computer games and although he
doesn't have the skill to use a mouse yet, he sometimes tries and I
bet it won't be long until he can use one. It's also amazing that he
seems to know which video or computer cd he is going to be playing,
even if they aren't with their cases. Perhaps he's recognizing the
letters or the colors and associating them with a particular story?
So I do think that a true unschooler wouldn't limit tv/video watching
as long as the child is being responsible in doing chores. As a
Christian, I also feel that God wants me to make sure that they don't
watch anything that contradicts God's Word or is not honoring to
Him. My kids know that there are certain tv shows they simply aren't
allowed to watch.
Sheila
meghan anderson
I really like what a lot of you have to say on this
thread (Sandra, Julie, Pam, etc.). I have gone through
various different levels of paranoia concerning my
dd's TV watching (which gets linked into "she's not
doing enough 'educational' stuff"). I seem to go
through this when I'm in a transition phase of my life
and am not feeling very stable/strong in myself. I
also go through this when I am lacking unschooling
support (which is why I find this list a necessary
part of my family's wellbeing!). I don't limit TV
watching in our home (I have in the past and it just
made the TV a SUPER attractive object!). But I do use
distraction if I can't stand the noise of the TV
anymore! I find that more often than not if I make a
few suggestions of alternative things to do,
especially if it involves me doing it with her, she is
only too eager to turn the box off. But I also finds
that she gets play inspiration from her videos. We
don't have regular TV at the moment - no cable and
aerial not working (okay, so I'm not rushing to get it
fixed either) - so she's watching less right now
naturally. IMO she uses videos (and books, and movies)
to give her ideas for themes to play in her
imagination games. I notice she seems to need the
input when we haven't seen friends for a few days and
I think maybe because she's an only child ( it's just
her and I ) and sometimes the ideas just dry up and
she needs fresh stimulus. I also don't regulate her
food intake, but she does! A couple of days ago I got
out some left-over apple crumble to have for breakfast
and she told me (in a very superior tone!) that SHE
was going to have PROPER food for breakfast, and asked
me to make her some scrambled eggs. I ate MY apple
crumble anyway! I've gone on a bit but I've been
following this very interestedly and had to contribute
my 2 cents on this one.
Meghan (mum to Tamzin aged 7)
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Find the one for you at Yahoo! Personals
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thread (Sandra, Julie, Pam, etc.). I have gone through
various different levels of paranoia concerning my
dd's TV watching (which gets linked into "she's not
doing enough 'educational' stuff"). I seem to go
through this when I'm in a transition phase of my life
and am not feeling very stable/strong in myself. I
also go through this when I am lacking unschooling
support (which is why I find this list a necessary
part of my family's wellbeing!). I don't limit TV
watching in our home (I have in the past and it just
made the TV a SUPER attractive object!). But I do use
distraction if I can't stand the noise of the TV
anymore! I find that more often than not if I make a
few suggestions of alternative things to do,
especially if it involves me doing it with her, she is
only too eager to turn the box off. But I also finds
that she gets play inspiration from her videos. We
don't have regular TV at the moment - no cable and
aerial not working (okay, so I'm not rushing to get it
fixed either) - so she's watching less right now
naturally. IMO she uses videos (and books, and movies)
to give her ideas for themes to play in her
imagination games. I notice she seems to need the
input when we haven't seen friends for a few days and
I think maybe because she's an only child ( it's just
her and I ) and sometimes the ideas just dry up and
she needs fresh stimulus. I also don't regulate her
food intake, but she does! A couple of days ago I got
out some left-over apple crumble to have for breakfast
and she told me (in a very superior tone!) that SHE
was going to have PROPER food for breakfast, and asked
me to make her some scrambled eggs. I ate MY apple
crumble anyway! I've gone on a bit but I've been
following this very interestedly and had to contribute
my 2 cents on this one.
Meghan (mum to Tamzin aged 7)
__________________________________________________
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Find the one for you at Yahoo! Personals
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Pam Hartley
>I have gone throughThis is a valuable observation. My husband notices the same dynamic with me
> various different levels of paranoia concerning my
> dd's TV watching (which gets linked into "she's not
> doing enough 'educational' stuff"). I seem to go
> through this when I'm in a transition phase of my life
> and am not feeling very stable/strong in myself.
-- when I get stressed, I start hounding him to help me with huge cleaning
projects ("It's only midnight! We could have that garage whipped into shape
by 3 a.m.!" <g>).
>IMO she uses videos (and books, and movies)Interesting. My oldest daughter, a social butterfly, does the same thing.
> to give her ideas for themes to play in her
> imagination games. I notice she seems to need the
> input when we haven't seen friends for a few days
She is lost if her sister takes a nap. I can make up for some of it, and so
can Dad, but if she's really on her own for entertainment there's a lot of
sighing. I sometimes think I should produce a bigger family just for Brit's
sake, but we only have two bedrooms. :)
>I also don't regulate herYes, and yes. You'd think we were raising 18th century English butlers. <g>
> food intake, but she does! A couple of days ago I got
> out some left-over apple crumble to have for breakfast
> and she told me (in a very superior tone!) that SHE
> was going to have PROPER food for breakfast, and asked
> me to make her some scrambled eggs. I ate MY apple
> crumble anyway!
Mine lecture me about vitamins when I forget to hand them out.
Pam
jbpan
Oh my goodness. I do the same thing with my husband......cleaning the living
room and 12:30am! :-) So nice to know I'm not alone!
Brynn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
room and 12:30am! :-) So nice to know I'm not alone!
Brynn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Diane
OK, timidly entering the TV fray, understanding (I think) everyone's position. I
can compare and contrast the TV debate with the food debate and find some
similarities.
In our family we don't have TV. Not "we have TV but don't let the children watch
it," and not "we only allow the kids educational or pre-defined videos." Not
even "when we had kids we got rid of the TV to protect them from it." No. We
just don't have TV. It's a non-issue for us most of the time, unless we're going
to wait while the car is fixed and there's a TV and another customer watching
it. We really don't like it.
Interesting story, though. My 3-year-old had gone with me to a friend's house
and the other kids went back to the bedroom to watch some show. Later he told
me, "Mom! I watched TV!" He had that look kids get when they're watching for the
reaction. I said, "Did you like it?" and he said no, he hadn't and he'd wanted
to go play with some stuff but the other kids tried to make him stay.
So there's no telling. We may someday get a TV, but I'm pretty sure it won't be
the center of the living room decor.
:-) Diane
can compare and contrast the TV debate with the food debate and find some
similarities.
In our family we don't have TV. Not "we have TV but don't let the children watch
it," and not "we only allow the kids educational or pre-defined videos." Not
even "when we had kids we got rid of the TV to protect them from it." No. We
just don't have TV. It's a non-issue for us most of the time, unless we're going
to wait while the car is fixed and there's a TV and another customer watching
it. We really don't like it.
Interesting story, though. My 3-year-old had gone with me to a friend's house
and the other kids went back to the bedroom to watch some show. Later he told
me, "Mom! I watched TV!" He had that look kids get when they're watching for the
reaction. I said, "Did you like it?" and he said no, he hadn't and he'd wanted
to go play with some stuff but the other kids tried to make him stay.
So there's no telling. We may someday get a TV, but I'm pretty sure it won't be
the center of the living room decor.
:-) Diane
meghan anderson
>I sometimes think I should produce a bigger >familyjust for
>Brit'sTamzin has been hassling me since she was 3 (she's 7
>sake, but we only have two bedrooms. :)
now and has finally let off a bit) to have another
baby! <g>
>You'd think we were raising 18th century EnglishLOL!! Tamzin was born and raised in England! Of
>butlers.
><g>
course, I should have known that's where she gets it
from! It's certainly not from me (I'm so laid back
sometimes people think I'm asleep.)!
Meghan : )
__________________________________________________
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Find the one for you at Yahoo! Personals
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[email protected]
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., meghan anderson <moonmeghan@y...>
wrote:
double beds on the bottom. You should be able to have 3 more without
having to think about moving.
Sheila
wrote:
> >I sometimes think I should produce a bigger >familyYou can get really cool bunk beds that are double beds on the top and
> just for
> >Brit's
> >sake, but we only have two bedrooms. :)
double beds on the bottom. You should be able to have 3 more without
having to think about moving.
Sheila
[email protected]
In a message dated 11/15/01 1:56:28 PM Eastern Standard Time, sheran@...
writes:
<<
double beds on the bottom. You should be able to have 3 more without
having to think about moving. >>
We just moved from a 2-bedroom house to a larger one. We did need the extra
space but I had a friend who thought it was child abuse to make my kids share
a room. In her words, "If you can't afford a room for each kid, then you
can't afford the kids!" Sheesh.
Amy
Amy Kagey in NW Ohio
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=85215">
Usborne Books</A>
make great Christmas gifts!
(www.ubah.com/z0939)
writes:
<<
> >I sometimes think I should produce a bigger >familyYou can get really cool bunk beds that are double beds on the top and
> just for
> >Brit's
> >sake, but we only have two bedrooms. :)
double beds on the bottom. You should be able to have 3 more without
having to think about moving. >>
We just moved from a 2-bedroom house to a larger one. We did need the extra
space but I had a friend who thought it was child abuse to make my kids share
a room. In her words, "If you can't afford a room for each kid, then you
can't afford the kids!" Sheesh.
Amy
Amy Kagey in NW Ohio
<A HREF="http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Z0939&gid=85215">
Usborne Books</A>
make great Christmas gifts!
(www.ubah.com/z0939)
Cath
We only have two bedrooms - one for us (and just recently our 1 yo)
and one for the kids - bunk beds for the older two and a cot for the
youngest. They sleep fine!
Cath
and one for the kids - bunk beds for the older two and a cot for the
youngest. They sleep fine!
Cath
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., sheran@p... wrote:
> --- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., meghan anderson <moonmeghan@y...>
> wrote:
> > >I sometimes think I should produce a bigger >family
> > just for
> > >Brit's
> > >sake, but we only have two bedrooms. :)
>
> You can get really cool bunk beds that are double beds on the top
and
> double beds on the bottom. You should be able to have 3 more
without
> having to think about moving.
> Sheila
Cath
>I had a friend who thought it was child abuse to make my kids sharea room. In her words, "If you can't afford a room for each kid, then
you can't afford the kids!" Sheesh.<
Where is it written that kids need their own room? I'm sure that the
millions of people around the world who only have a one room house
(or none at all) would love to hear that! There are worse forms of
child abuse than not having your own room.
My oldest *wanted* the youngest to move in with them "so we're all
cosy and together!" Perhaps its what you're used to. I grew up in a
two bedroom house and shared with my brother (who eventually moved
into and moved out from the caravan out the front when he was 13 or
so).
Cath
Carolyn
Well, then I guess I'm being abused too because my husband wants to
share our bedroom. The nerve of him taking a wife when he couldn't
afford to give me my own room!
Carolyn
Cath wrote:
share our bedroom. The nerve of him taking a wife when he couldn't
afford to give me my own room!
Carolyn
Cath wrote:
> >I had a friend who thought it was child abuse to make my kids share
> a room. In her words, "If you can't afford a room for each kid, then
> you can't afford the kids!" Sheesh.<
>
Pam Hartley
----------
spare.
Pam
>From: [email protected]Sheesh is right -- mine wouldn't sleep in separate rooms if we had them to
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 1587
>Date: Thu, Nov 15, 2001, 7:25 PM
>
> I had a friend who thought it was child abuse to make my kids share
> a room. In her words, "If you can't afford a room for each kid, then you
> can't afford the kids!" Sheesh.
spare.
Pam
Tia Leschke
>Yeah, I think that *making* a kid sleep alone in a room is more like child
> > I had a friend who thought it was child abuse to make my kids share
> > a room. In her words, "If you can't afford a room for each kid, then you
> > can't afford the kids!" Sheesh.
>
>
>Sheesh is right -- mine wouldn't sleep in separate rooms if we had them to
>spare.
abuse.
Tia
Tia Leschke leschke@...
On Vancouver Island
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It is the answers which separate us, the questions which unite us. - Janice
Levy