Now, because reading does tend to be quiet and personal you probably will want to think about couple or family activities to do in lieu of television as well. Of course you can get audio books and listen together, but that’s a little weird, so think about active activities. My dogs are quite happy without T.V. because they actually get to leave the house and go on walks regularly now.
If it is cold or rainy, they have play time in the house for a while each evening. But, a walk or game of fetch really only take the time of about one sit-com. Take up a sport, embark upon a home improvement project, or start making home brew. Whatever floats your proverbial boat.
I have already confessed that we did not throw away the T.V. sets, and we do watch some shows regularly. However, the line up is much shorter than with cable and I feel much less “obligated” to run to the living room at a designated time since I’m not paying for the channels.
I bring this up because it has liberated my inner chef. I’m tired at the end of the day just like everyone else, but I also actually like to cook. Without the strict television schedule, my husband and I are doing a lot more cooking together, and are getting pretty good at it.
If you have kids, please include them. (Teacher Soap-Box 2: cooking teaches lots of skills like counting, measuring, reading, and my favorite, FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS, just to name a few.) We also actually use our dining table rather than T.V. trays, which is good because furniture is expensive and using it three times a year is really kind of sad.
What ever your reason for making the change or your choice of replacement activities, the decision to let go of some or all of your beloved television watching is a challenge. I understand the comfort of the glow and habitual program watching, but I promise letting go of some (or most) television time is worth it.