TEEEEE DEEEEE!
We have started to let the kid watch a bit of TV (or “TEEEEDEEEEEE!” – rather) now and then. I know – that along with breakfast-cake – means that pretty much all of our parental goals have gone the way of last weeks recycling. We had a great 18-month run, but, it had to end some time.
We still don’t really have cable – Marc and I watch shows via hulu – the greatest invention since television. So, Harrison is stuck with whatever programming we can scrounge up on YouTube or archive (dot) org. His choices are Bettie Boop sings about having pep! – hilarious; YouTube videos of farm animals, firetrucks and motorcycles (for some reason H calls motorcylces TACO! I can only guess that he is aiming for cycle, but, there’s really no way to know.); and the Japanese sub-titled Totoro.
And because I’m a pretentious yuppie – I’m totally OK with with this one and we let him watch it A LOT.
So, now if there is a lull in play he immediately pulls on my hand, tells me to “coming” and drags me towards the living room. When I ask where we are going he usually replies “THIS WAY!” or “THAT WAY!” and points vigorously. When I ask him why, he replies shyly with a sneaky little smile, tucks his head down into his chest and says “teeDee”.
TV is heroin. Plain and simple. Addicting and euphoric. The kid WILL NOT SIT STILL for anything. He has never been a cuddler – not when he was a baby and certainly not now. He’ll swing by for a hug and a kiss and wants to be picked up – but, only if you will escort him around the house so that he can see and touch things that are out of his reach. But, if he is parked in front of the idiot box he is the sweetest little angel you can imagine. He is so calm and still that Marc and I just sit next to him and stare at his cute little features that are usually just a blur of spaz. He will sit in the corner of the couch propped up by pillows or on my lap with his Curious George stuffed animal in one hand and my hand in the other.
It is an incredibly special, drug-induced bonding experience.
Listening: Wild Nothing
I love it.
you’ve finally succumbed to the darkside of parenting =)
now i won’t feel so guilty when we visit and the kids are carrying their portable dvd players around with them.
HA! Kara – no guilt… you’re just smart and like having peace and quiet in your house. TV = kid-coma = peace.
One of my favorite moments of the day is that first cup of coffee, sitting next to my son, tucked into my hip on the couch, while we watch Sesame Street.
Love your writing style Keep em coming please