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eupomene's review against another edition
3.0
Yes, this was the revised edition but much of it was original, I could tell, and still very relevant. I found this book to be quite a valuable read, if a bit depressing. I came to the book with already set opinions on television and young children so I suppose it was preaching to the choir, but what she sets out in here makes so much sense that readers with differing opinions could learn a lot, change their minds, have great discussions on the matter. The premise is that too many people place emphasis on the quality of the TV shows, that if the kids are watching decent shows the quantity of the TV time doesn't matter. Her point is that if your children are sitting in front of the TV all day, they are not learning to amuse themselves (in a less passive manner) -- and that it is addictive. The revised edition also discusses the impact of video games and computers.
My one complaint was a very definite whiff of blame placed on "working mothers" throughout the books, as a reason for the "decline of the family". Lovely, thanks for the sexism.
My one complaint was a very definite whiff of blame placed on "working mothers" throughout the books, as a reason for the "decline of the family". Lovely, thanks for the sexism.
daltonlp's review against another edition
5.0
This book sat on the shelf for a while, because I assumed I already believed everything it had to say. I was wrong.
The best parts are the stories of families who have removed the TV from their house, either temporarily or permanently:
The best parts are the stories of families who have removed the TV from their house, either temporarily or permanently:
The first weekend was brutal. In the absence of television, it is very difficult to keep three children occupied from sunup to sundown. We were desperate for relief. A note I made on the first Saturday captures the ambiance of the household: "I'm so exhausted I could vomit...Toys are being scattered faster than I can pick them up."
Our children are playing together, real old-fashioned playing. The two middle children made up an entire musical entitled Dolphins in the Desert.
When the kids had nothing to do, they went out and made a secret hideout -- played there for many days.
Personally I find I can tolerate Saturday housework as a working mother a lot better when I don't see my husband loafing near the TV.
The kids really sat there for quite a while, just as if they were watching. It was pathetic. But it made us absolutely certain we'd done the right thing by chucking the set out.
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