How to Make Family T.V. Time Interactive

Who says sitting in front of the TV can't be interactive? And guess what? You don't need a Wii to do it! That's right, there are simple ways a family can enjoy "quality" time in front of the TV without being ridiculous couch potatoes. And this is great news, especially for American Idol fans because if your family is like mine...and sets up camp for the show (even though this year...we are a little bored) we need movement because this one show alone takes 4 - 5 hours a week! Check out these fun things we learned to do, that allow mental stimulation, family interaction, physical moment and fun without missing our favorite program!

Mental Stimulation - Marketing

In our house, we mute commercials. I get weary with noise...and unless it's on TEVO, we sit in silence for the 5 minutes of commercial breaks. But it isn't total silence. We have a game we play during commercial breaks that is really fun. We all watch the screen in silence. Every time the screen jumps to a new shot, we shout out the first word that comes to our mind, or the first thing we look at.

So, there we sit, 6 people (as young as age 6) screaming things like, "Red Hair," "Free," "Subway!" Whatever it is, it is really good insight to how your kids see advertising. Sometimes we stop and discuss what the product "people" wanted us to take away. We discuss marketing! Sometimes, it is just funny because we will all yell the same thing at the exact same time. (It is then, that I truly know, there is power in advertising!)

This also helps children understand consumerism. Just because we see it on TV, doesn't mean it is true, that we need it or that we even really want it if we can't HEAR what is being said. Ultimately, it just gives us time to talk about something topical so we all aren't glued to the set without communication.

Move...NOW!

Try this: Before your program of choice comes on, make a list of things you want done around the house and assign chores to everyone...for commercial. The minute the commercial comes on - CHORE TIME! Everyone hustles and moves faster because they have approximately 5 minutes to complete their task. When head of household screams, "It's on!" - everyone stops immediately and rejoins in the living room to not miss a minute of the program.

This is sure to get fast results from your kids, get things done around the house and allows kids to not feel like a chore is overtaking their life...there is an end point that is very attainable because they know their cleaning time will end in just a second. After all, is 5 minutes too much to ask? (The more kids you have, the better the result! Ha) Ultimately, your family actually moves, you get your house picked up and no one misses the show. Fantastic!

Quiz Show

I call this Quiz Show, but you don't have to quiz your kids on the show. You can quiz your kids on their homework, too! Make sure you have homework assessable when the show starts. Again, the minute the commercials come on, push MUTE. If there is a first grader in your home, conduct a mock spelling test. If there is a sixth grader in your home, have them read their homework reading out loud while everyone listens. Any grade, there is something they could be reviewing, or doing to further their education.

If no one in the house has homework, go for random fun. Ask the kids questions about the show that you noticed, but wondered if they did. For example, "Did Simon like the last singer? What did he say in general?" or "What color was Randy's shirt?" Silly facts that help you gauge how much they absorb. Plus, it works their little brains instead of just not thinking at all! Or worse, not communicate or express what they are thinking.

Television time doesn't have to be "dead" time in your home. Use the moments you are gathered together (even if they are in front of the TV) to bond and share...and grow as a family.