By: Larry MacDonald
My two boys, 4 and 6 years old, are home this month from school and preschool. It’s great doing things with them. Yesterday, we went to the swimming pool where they enjoyed themselves immensely. The day before we visited the playground and, among other things, flew a kite. These are moments to treasure – they won’t be this young and sweet forever – so I have the camcorder out a lot.
When they are on their own in the house, they like to play with their construction toys or games on the computer. My six-year-old has discovered the Internet and can google for games. My four-year-old watches and/or takes a turn. The time spent on the computer is actually becoming a bit too excessive. Ways have to be found to pry them off.
During their play time, they rarely turn the TV on — even though it sits right there in front of their toys and a few steps from the computer. Sometimes I’ll turn it on to the children’s or cartoon channels to provide a distraction so I can slip away and do some work. But when I come back later, the TV will be turned off and they’ll either be playing with their toys or the computer. It makes one wonder about the future of TV. Sure, it’ll survive but likely in a much reduced state.
7 Responses to “ My two boys and the future of TV ”
This is why I don’t have cable. Sure, I enjoy some shows, but I can spend less money and only watch the shows I like via itunes or waiting for the DVDs. It makes TV watching a conscious activity, not just something to come home and plop in front of, watching whatever happens to be on.
By Neil on Aug 12, 2009
I have noticed a similar trend. Our son knows that there are pictures and videos of us on the computer, as well as an endless supply of video clips of trains on youtube, so he loves any chance he gets to sit with us at the computer. He rarely gets that excited about watching the TV. He’s only 2.
By Derek on Aug 12, 2009
Neil
It’ll be hard for TV to compete with a service that let’s the viewer chose what and when they can view.
By Larry MacDonald on Aug 12, 2009
Derek
When your son gets older, he might like those CDs that simulate driving a train. My oldest was into those last year.
By Larry MacDonald on Aug 12, 2009
I subscribed to Rogers cable TV briefly this summer after being used to watch Sky in the UK the last couple of years. Rogers’ “VIP” package was appallingly poor in comparison – very poor selection of not-so-good programs for a not-so-cheap price. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for.
By CanadianInvestor on Aug 13, 2009
This is trend I believe that has been developing for awhile. None of the gen Y folks I work with have cable or satelite. They prefer to download and watch what they want when they want and it doesn’t seem like they watch alot either. ALthough Roger’s tries with the on-demand service, it is still easier and cheaper via the internet. I have recently cancelled my TV supplier and I’m using OTA. The local stations have most of the programs I like anyways and I can download/rent/buy what I like for less. Plus I found myself in the habit of my generation of plunking down in front of the TV and finding something to watch and end up watching stuff I really don’t care about instead of doing things I like. Strange how that happens without much thought.
By Gregory on Aug 14, 2009