Choosing Media That Nourishes Our Family's Spirits & Minds

Six years and two kids ago when our children were four, two, and one, I made the decision to purge our DVD collection to contain only media that was educational and/or in alignment with our beliefs.  Especially when children are young, they soak up and try to apply everything they are exposed to: words, reactions, style, preferences, and even the feeling or agenda that a song or movie carries.  They are so much more savvy than we give them credit for.

Their cultural buckets that I wanted to fill with all things wholesome and beneficial were being tainted with what seemed innocent enough.  They were watching movies and shows that were geared toward young children.  That should make them safe, right?  Besides, all their little friends had these movies and shows memorized and their parents were very responsible and loving.  But my kids were not only being exposed to lifestyles we disagreed with, they were picking up attitudes that were obviously learned from these shows.

We got rid of dozens of DVDs and disconnected from cable -- and even network TV.  This change felt really, really good.  The home's atmosphere even changed for the better.  There was a lot less time in front of a screen and toys were played with a lot more.  There are times (and even seasons), however, when the TV is a lifesaver: during the throws of pregnancy, on a long car ride, after a sleepless night with a baby or sick child, or even when mommy just needs some quiet time for twenty minutes.  Being equipped with media that uplifts and educates the children makes it a win-win for everyone involved.

We stumbled upon a DVD series last year that I wanted to share with you about.  What's In The Bible?  is one of those shows that the kids engage in and I chuckle at when I hear a witty line or two in passing.  My heart brims with happiness when the kids tell me what they learned after watching it.  What's extremely rare and wonderful about this series is all four oldest children (ranging from ages four to ten) enjoy watching it together!

I wanted to share a 20% off coupon they have going on right now in case you were interested.  Now is a great time to stock up on new DVDs before long drives for holiday trips, during the cold and flu season, or even to prepare ahead and get Christmas presents!  You can also get free shipping on orders of $15 or more.  They have a fun section on their website for kids to play games and watch videos as well.

Now that some of our kids are older, our media restrictions have loosened (for the older kids), and we talk through anything we don't agree with (so it ends up being an educational experience after all!).  Every family's standards are different, and over the years, I've realized, that's okay!  My only responsibility is my choice about what I expose my kids to.  Finding peace in what we release in our home's atmosphere is an amazing feeling.

Other DVDs found in our family movie collection:

• I Feel Like a Giggle (and other Karyn Henley DVDs) (for ages 2-6)
• Magic School Bus
• The Blue Planet
• Leap Frog learn-to-read & number-learning DVDs (for ages 2-7)
• Swiss Family Robinson
• Little House on the Prairie
• The Sound of Music
• Man Vs. Wild

What other movies does your family enjoy?  We are always on the look-out for a new gift idea.

I'm sharing this at Simple Lives Thursday.