Dr. BJ Condrey

My wife and I have not had a television in our house for many years. Yet, this post is not about you getting rid of your TV if you have one. I don’t want to fight that battle this morning. Instead, I want to challenge you to take the following steps, especially if you are married and/or have children:

1. When you return from work and walk into your house, do not sit down and turn the TV on (this still applies even if you work from home and come out of your office). Look around. Engage. Communicate to everyone via your actions that they are more important.
2. Do not leave the TV running in the background if there is not something specific that you or the family are watching (I am most passionate about this; I HATE needless background noise and you should as well)
3. If you are watching TV, then make sure to turn it off at least 30 minutes before the kids go to bed so that you can be fully present (end the day with what is important; conversation, simple games, reading, etc.)—I don’t even like this suggestion because I hate the idea of the TV going during the last 2–3 hours when everyone could be enjoying each other’s company
4. Do not allow your children to watch TV (including media on a screen other than a TV) in the evening

This is just a short-list. I did not take too much time to overthink. The one thing I love about not having a TV is that when we do watch something on our computer, it requires intentionality. You have to get it out, find a show, etc. There is no “letting it run in the background.” Try ending your day with a quiet house. You will be amazed at how much conversation, laughter, peace, and creativity spontaneously arises.