Family Television???

Does it exist anymore? Everything that comes on past six O'Clock has the "Viewer Discretion Advised" before it. We used to watch CSI, Law and Order, and other stuff like that when we are actually home to watch television, Ty sits there and watches it too and its pretty disturbing to a two and a half year old. I thought he couldn't possibly understand what was going on at his age but the scenes are pretty graphic now days with all the dead bodies and all.

So the other evening, home just me and kids trying to cook dinner, found "Stewart Little" on ABC Family channel. Yea, something clean! I thought I have found a solution for something Ty can watch. Tried it again last night while doing laundry, nope.... "Big Daddy" with Adam Sandler was on. Is this now what they consider "Family" television???

So..... flipping around found a "Goofy" movie on Disney. Thought, that is good. Can't go wrong with Mickey Mouse! Well at the end the good guy wins but the bad guys are fighting and one says to the other, "Put me down you big fat JERK!". I also heard them call each other stupid. Things I am trying to teach Ty are 'bad' words! I am finding that a lot of cartoons now have mean words in them too like idiot, jerk, and things like suck and crap!

What the crap? HA- just kidding. Trent and I use this term (not in front of Ty of course!) occassionally reminiscing about Jason Donoho. Along with a thumbs down and spitting... but back on to the subject... Can kids watch anything besides Elmo and Wiggles DVDs anymore? Not that we watch THAT much T.V. but there is an appropriate time for it and not a lot of options.

For the last two days, other than the morning Wiggles, I have had the television completely off. This has been a little easier to do with Trent out of town (Boys Weekend), otherwise we would have to have it on for the PGA and ESPN! Ty picks up the remote all the time and says, "Daddy's" HOW SAD IS THAT!!!!! Also easier with it being so pretty outside, however its been real hot out here so we have limited that time to the mornings and late afternoon.

I think we rely too much on television as a culture. Some t.v. is okay but all day? No wonder so many children are obese now! Let's get back to what used to work, outdoors, indoor 'activities', etc. Its hard to do and get things done around the house as well, but I have started to try and include Ty in these activities too, as much as you can someone his age! I think its Dr. Phil that said in his Family First book that there age appropriate jobs for every age and its good to start at a young age not only to help out but to teach some resposibility. He picks up his toys each time we leave the house or when we are done in the bathtub or even outside. He can bring me his shoes and put them up and bring me his plate when he is done. I never fill a cup unless one is brought back to me!

Okay, I am off my soap box on the television issue but would like to hear thoughts from others.