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Reclaiming family time
Carol's Critters had an open house during Turn Off The TV week. Children were able to play with puppies, bunnies, and other animals. Smarty Pants sponsored a jump rope content, in which more than 40 kids participated.
Turn Off the TV Week is about taking a healthy break from TV to focus on activities that are more academically, socially, and physically rewarding. More than 24 million people participate nationwide.
"By taking a solid, one-week break from TV, local children and adults can evaluate the excessive role television plays in their lives and reclaim time to pursue activities that foster greater social, physical, academic and creative development," said Tonya Millard, Family Resource Center Director. According to the Turnoff the TV Network, the average American child watches 20 hours of television per week. “This means that children are spending more time in front of a television than in any other activity, with the exception of sleep and school,” said Mary Sprosty, CARE Prevention Specialist for Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital. “This does not leave much time for family,” said Robin Bernhard, Parent Educator for Family Resource Center. Bernhard hopes families continue good TV habits, like not watching it during meals or using it as a babysitter, all year round. Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital, Family Resource Center, CARE, University of Wisconsin – Extension, and Crawford County Public Health organized and sponsored the week. Millard said the problem with asking families to turn off their television, is they often don't know what to do instead. "That's why area organizations and businesses have been asked to host some type of alternative activity," she said. Area business and organizations sponsored alternative activities to help families find fun things to do with their newfound free time. The calendar of events is designed to promote activities families can enjoy beyond “Turn Off the TV” week, like jump roping, miniature golf, and enjoying area parks.
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