What's wrong with TV?

Wow, I'm beat. This is the first chance I've had to sit down in a while. Today is Saturday, and It's been hectic. We've been running around with the kids since 9:00am, going from one activity to the other.

Usually, on weekend mornings we stick the kids in front of the TV or computer for a few hours so we can sleep late or lounge around. I know I could be shot for saying that, but it's true. I realize I use the TV and video games too much, but it's crutch I can't do without. I justify it (in my own head) by telling myself this: firstly, they are smart, motivated kids. They are not violent; they don't talk about shooting people or blowing things up. They are not running around, acting and talking like Spongebob Square Pants, and even if they did it wouldn't bother me that much (though it would be funnier if they acted and talked like Patrick). The shows they watch, and the games they play seem relatively harmless. They are academically more then sound. They are emotionally solid, and though the little one is a bit temperamental and hard to contain at times, I don't think TV or computer games has much to do with that. That has more to do with temperament.

I also feel that there is nothing wrong with turning into a vegetable for a bit after a demanding day. These kids work hard! School is tough; they gotta sit there all day, pay attention to the teacher, learn stuff, deal with jackasses (teachers and kids alike), and eat crummy lunches that are warm and stale from sitting in lunch boxes all day. Listen, I'm not knocking school; it's very important, and I push my kids to learn, and make sure they are trying their best. But after a day of dealing with all that, I don't blame them if they want to vegetate for a bit. Would I rather them relax by reading a book, or drawing a picture, or doing something educational or creative? Of course! But this is the way my kids like to relax sometimes, and I say let them indulge. And look, I'm not completely neglectful. I make sure they don't watch things that are inappropriate, and I set limits on the amount of time, and I supplement their lives with other activities.

I also don't believe in being overly restrictive. When I was young my parents let us only watch TV on the weekends, and we had no sweets in the house. Now that I'm a grown up, I love TV, especially BAD TV, and I love junk food. So, my theory is (and I am a good example) too much restriction will back fire. Too much 'forbidden fruit' makes you want that thing all the more. My little son had a friend - a really bright, well behaved kid. But every time he comes over to our house he's dying for a cookie, and will cry if I don't let him play X-Box. See what I mean? I really believe the more taboo something is, the more the kid wants it. Now am I going to smoke a joint with my kids, or let him have a beer with their spaghetti-Os for dinner? No. But you know what I mean. Moderation baby - it's the key to life.

My final justification is, everyone has their weakness, right? Mine just happens to be letting my kids watch too much TV and play too much video games. I don't beat them, or lock them in the basement, or not feed them. I'm around a lot. I tend to them a lot. I worry about them a lot. This is not much to ask for.

Boy, I just realized I'm doing a lot of convincing that what I'm doing is OK. And who am I talking to? Me. I guess I should just cut myself some slack about all of this. It's hard not being perfect. I'm going to go watch Entertainment Tonight.