Today’s families do not spend enough time together for a plethora of reasons as well as bottomless excuses for why they have no time for it. We say we have “no time” but we have Facebook, TV, and gaming apps on our smartphones? Yet today’s families also watch a day’s worth of television every week , which doesn’t really count as family time. Once in a while is fine and for those times, there are some ways to incorporate television and family conversation to come closer together in a brand new, old way.
Remember the shows you always loved growing up? From the cartoons and shows at the younger ages all the way to the classic sitcoms you miss now, reminiscing about the memories and episodes those shows remind you of is a fun discussion to have with your children and to show them what they are missing from today’s television lineup.
Talking about your favorite shows as a kid with your child provides an active discussion in the family that is fun for everyone and a nice way to connect with one another on a unique platform. These shows bring up memories of other times as well, and that helps keep the conversation going while educating the kids more on their family and who their parents are outside of their role. Kids are interested in where they came from, they are just stubborn to engage that talk until it’s being done their way, not like a classroom.
Current Children’s programming isn’t as imaginative and charismatic like the days when we grew up, and though our kids may call us “old” or may not initially be willing to watch, they secretly want to know what The Smurfs and Flinstones were all about.
With the invention of DVD and Blu-Ray, those beloved tales are now on digital disc to watch with the whole family, appropriate for all ages. Gilligan’s Island, M.A.S.H., I Love Lucy, and the Beverly Hillbillies are all available so you can all watch them together while eating dinner and/or dessert. It’s cheaper than going to the movies and going out to eat all together, and a healthier alternative to movie theater candy, soda, and popcorn drowning in butter and salt.
In addition to these shows are those from the 80’s and 90’s like: Tale Spin, Duck Tales, Chip and Dale, and The Jetsons. The kids would love to see “Dinosaurs” too. “Not the Mamma!” Who doesn’t recall the adorable little baby dinosaur who loves his mommy but whacks his daddy on the head with a frying pan will reciting that famous line? Just like Stewie Griffin on the current popular “Family Guy”, that little baby was in full control, but more appropriate for the little ones.
Tvparty.com is a wonderful little gem I found while browsing the Internet last week to buy all of your favorite shows from the past in one site, sold through amazon.com.
This is a great alternative to watching modern shows, even geared for kids, such as “Glee” that send a damaging message to our children. Shows are based on the lives of young kids and adolescents yet depict sex with multiple partners, false representation of real love and relationships, diva selfish behaviors, and getting into legal trouble as a fun idea. Parents are becoming increasingly disturbed by the negative progression of what is being shown on networks, so they are constantly talking about “the good ole days” when we weren’t seeing so much glorified teen pregnancy and drama because the ninth grade girl lost her “true love” after they had been dating a whopping two months.
Go back to the Brady Bunch, Full House, and cartoons like Doug, Animaniacs, or even Gumby! Pop in a DVD of your favorite show of any era and enjoy the wonderous past of your youth and magical present of a beautiful family to share it with this time around.
View the large selection of new and classic television here!
