I got rid of our TV when we moved. My kids found other ways to entertain themselves, even if we're not totally screen-free.

When the author moved into a new home, she decided not to bring the TV with them. The family had always been captivated by the screen, with the older children begging to watch shows every morning and evening. This led to tantrums when the TV was turned off. However, after the move, the family tried to embrace a screen-free lifestyle, envisioning a peaceful home filled with reading, baking, and outdoor activities.

The kids spent their days playing with toys, exploring the backyard, and coloring. The author even discovered her 5-year-old's newfound passion for art and storytelling, as she was now able to introduce classic fairy tales to her children. While the family initially thrived on this new, TV-free routine, they soon found themselves relying on occasional babysitter sessions to help with bedtime routines.

During these times, the kids were allowed to watch a short episode on the laptop, which eventually became a weekly habit. There were also moments when the family indulged in TV to accommodate their children's entertainment needs, such as during sickness or when the author needed time to fold laundry. After eight months, the family had accepted that a truly TV-free household wasn't sustainable.

However, they found that making screen time more inconvenient had helped them regain control. To watch a show, the kids had to ask the author for her laptop, bring it upstairs, ensure it was charged, and huddle together to view the small screen. This made TV a special occasion rather than a regular part of their lives. Now, when they see the living room, it's filled with toys, books, and crayons, rather than the dominating presence of a TV screen.