no tv, no computer, no electronics!!!!????  

The only advice I have for you is this. If you do try it don't do it for just a week. They have to realize that they don't have any options. The first week is a little rough, but then everything changes. Think about it. TV is really not all that great here lately.
Oh and another benefit that I was not expecting, it has made it to where I don't feel like I need to watch TV all the time so now I actually spend more time with my wife. Imagine that, take away electronics as a way to better your marriage. :)

Thank you for your kind words, HOWEVER, I am a father. My wife does stay home with the kids and she is a "Tough Cookie" and she is a wonderful mom.

Sorry about that. Most discussions on here about kids are from moms. Any congratulations to both of you.

No problem. I completely understand.

It has been a wonderful journey from grumpy kids to siblings that (for the most part) are beginning to respect each other and themselves. My wife and are have been very pleased with the outcome. Thanks for your remarks

I believe that kids should see those "EXTRAS" as rewards. My kids automatically think that they are personal "Rights". Now they realize that their lives do not have to revolve around Hannah Montana or Play Station. There is life after electronics.
i find it funny that the more "advances" that are made in entertainment, the more often I hear kids say that their bored.

Yes, this has been very delightful. And the best part about it, is that more than likely they will grow up and remember the summer that they didn't have electronic and they'll tell their kids "When I was a kids like you, there was a whole summer that Grandpa and Grandma wouldn't let us turn on anything electronic." I believe this will be a summer of fond memories.

I agree completely. I think this will become a family tradition that will be passed down through the generations. What a great thing!

Oh yes and the great grand children will come up to me and kick me in the shin. :)

That'd be what I'd call a "battle scar" well worth it! (LOL)

I thought thay you would enjoy this. We wrere getting tired of the kids saying they were bored so we finally broke down and got a membership to the YMCA. I still find it amazing how well this is working out this summer. I wonder how many others are going to try this even if it is just for a day or 2?

I think there's a possibility of many people trying this method for their children, especially after reading your discussion. I think it's all about the fact that most parents probably wouldn't even think of something like what you'd done for your kids. Your discussion is a great inspiration to many parents, I'm sure. I know if I had kids, I'd definitely try this method for at least a week or two. I'd be interested to see the outcome for my own family. Of course, I'm definitely keeping this in mind when God chooses to bless me with my own children. It'll be well worth anything I could possibly put into the decision. I'm happy to learn of the membership. Yet another great idea you've had. Thanks for sharing!

I go this afternoon to the YMCA for orientation. I am so not used to working out. Up until 2 years ago I was very active. Then I had surgery and never got back into. Hopefully I will be here tomorrow. :)

I suppose surgery is a good excuse for not exercising. (LOL) However, I think working out is a great idea...and something I could probably do more of as well. However, you know what's best for your needs, so it's great you've set goals for yourself as well as your children. I think it's very consistent. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!

I actually look forward to my excercise times. I seem to have more energy when I excercise.

It really is the truth and great to hear. I remember back when I was a freshman in college, I ran at least half a mile after a full day of classes, which probably doesn't sound like too much, but it was the best I could do on a normal day reaching the end of another crazy schedule. Believe it or not, I gained 20 lbs. that year because while it boosted my appetite (I usually ate dinner right after my run and a nice shower) it also proved as a stress reliever. You may find the same, although hopefully you haven't a thing to be stressed out about! I just thought you'd find that interesting that it had such a positive effect on me. You'd think that I'd still run...I wish I had time. Now that I have a dog and a beautiful apartment complex and park area surrounding it to live, I might get back into it. Thanks for the good example and for reminding me the importance of exercise. I could use that 20 lbs. again! (LOL) Have a great night, my friend.

It does make you wonder what the world would be like if all of the sudden the electronic were taken away. I believe adults would have a more difficult time than the children.

Jazz, I will be honest. I did not like the idea either. I work all day and that is all I wanted to do. What I found out is that I love not having the TV on. I feel more relaxed and seem to have more energy. I believe that the TV would drain me. Not that it was some kind of mind probe that made me a zombie, but think about what is on. News - 90% is bad news. TV shows - Murder, hatred. Sports - THOSE ARE GREAT as long as your team wins. But how do you feel if they don't? See if he would give it a try for just a week. Sometimes what i do is if there is something I really want to watch I record it and wait until the kids go to bed.
Also you don't have to quit altogether. Instead make a special event to be able to watch tv not a natural occurance.

(I can see it already. I am going to start getting hate mail from kids around the world. lol)

True, but a season being away from them is not bad. Basically it is just for 4 weeks. Which to a child is an eternity. The benefits of turning them off by far out weigh the damage of them getting a little rusty on how to turn on the play station. :) thanks for your reply.

I admit I enjoy playing the games on the computer and TV with my kids. What I found out though is that I did not enjoy it near as much as I thought. I found out that I enjoyed my kids more when I played away from the electronics. For instance. i have a 6 year old son. He used to always say, "Dad can you play start wars legos on playstation with me?" I would sit down with him and not say one word to him. Now he says "Hey dad can you wrestle with me" We get down on the floor and wrestle and then when he is all worn out he will cuddle up to me and talk. WOW!! some people would pay big money for that from their children. All I did was turn off the TV.

True. Kids need a good healthy dose of fresh air and quite frankly exercise. I fear to see what will become of children today when they are 30 and 40 years old.