What Families Can Do when There's Nothing on Television

Even with hundreds of channels from which to choose, people still end up cursing the lack of good programs and wondering what families can do when there is nothing on television. The problem isn't just finding something to watch of course, but rather what to select that everyone can agree on and is old enough, or alternately young enough, to enjoy. The television can be a great place for families to gather but here is a unique substitute to try when television programming fails and you are caught wondering what families can do when there's nothing on television.

Begin by inviting your family to join you in a activity that will require only a few sheets of paper and lots of imagination. This special activity asks your family not only to forget about television but also to forget about playing cards or a board game and instead begin to think what life was like for people who never had a television and never had to worry what families might do without it. Think about the life of pioneers in the early days of our westward expansion.

When night time came along sometimes pioneers were so worn out from the day's activities that they simply opted to hit the hay. At other times they enjoyed each other's company around a campfire and entertained one another by sharing stories.

You and your family can do the same thing. Set the mood by spreading sleeping bags or made up bed rolls around on the family room floor. If possible in the middle of the room place a small reading lamp set at low and dim other lights in the room. Let this serve as your pretend campfire.

Beforehand determine story themes that you might wish to use. For example you might decide that it would be fun to have everyone share holiday stories. If so write different holiday names on separate slips of paper, enough slips so that each person can choose one. For example write Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Fourth of July, Labor Day and others. Other themes might be Emotion stories and your individual slips of paper might read: Joy, Fear, Surprise, Sorrow and others. The possible themes are endless but its important if you want to tell theme stories to make sure that the themes you select are all within the imaginative reach of those playing along.

Another favorite I have used I call "mixed bag" this means there is no theme. Instead on the slips of paper you can write a suggestion for any kind of story. For example you might ask for stories that tell about things like: a best friend, a favorite trip, a special pet, a scary experience. Again the only limit is the imagination level of those who are gathered around the imaginary campfire.

When all are settled in, put the pieces of paper in a real or pretend cowboy hat and ask someone to choose first. Each person has ten minutes to tell their story and then the hat is passed again and another yarn is spun.

When all the stories are complete, or as a break, serve some hot chocolate and cookies or cake. Chances are, folks will want to try a second round or at least won't be so concerned the next time there's nothing to watch on television. Pioneer living has a lot to offer.