I was one of the first Tivo subscribers. I still kick myself that I did not sign up for “lifetime tivo” for $500.
Lizzie and Job are 18 months apart in age. Once Job was sleeping in a “big boy bed” I would watch tv in my room so he didn’t sneak downstairs.
As our kids grew and their myriad of special conditions arose, I continued to use my bedroom as command central from 7:30 pm on.
Television is a great way to escape from reality. Most of the time I am surfing the internet, folding laundry or sorting supplements into pill containers.
Before I realized the kids issues were more than just a passing phase I would watch “live tv” and get frustrated time the kids interrupted my nightly “down time”.
As a parent I have learned that -as much as possible- I change my routine to accommodate the kids. So, I started taping all my shows on Tivo to lessen my frustration.
About 3 years ago I had a wickedly brilliant idea. For Christmas I asked mother in law for remote headphones for my bedroom tv. You know the kind like the headphones in minivans? You can buy them for home use too.
Ohhhh was I excited! Now I could watch “adult” tv without the kids hearing what I was listening to. And, because everything I watch is Tivoed, I could stop the shows at a moments notice.
Now you have to picture me in my “moo moo” zip up bathrobe, with a headset on and tivo remote in hand. Oh yes, it is quite a sight to see! And no I am not going to post pictures!
So what about you? What night time techniques have you used to get some down time?
[...] I have even – gasp – reduced my TV time to make room. I know, how do I have time for TV? I do not really “watch” TV as much as have it on in the background while I fold laundry, grade papers, etc. You can read my post about how TIVO makes me a better mom here. [...]