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My children are only allowed to watch a little TV. A cartoon or two in the morning is about it, unless I truly need a break and then a movie will be allowed. This all started out with the philosophy of too much tv is not good for a child. Not a bad philosophy. Kids need to be kids. Go play. Enjoy the outdoors. Be physical. Use your imagination. and all that jazz.

My philosophy has changed a little as they have gotten older. Although I do still believe that they should not be just sitting in front of the tv or computer all day, the reason why has changed. Advertising.

I remember a few years ago when Dillon saw a sign for Quiznos. He said to me "MMMMM...Toasty." We laughed. It was cute. Then it was other things. Easy Off Bam for instance. "I can clean with ease, if I had Easy Off Bam." So I bought him some. Go ahead, knock yourself out.

Then yesterday we are sitting at the table eating dinner. "Mom, what is heartburn?" Here we go again. I explain it to the best of my ability and then he chips in with "you can take one tablet and it will last all day long, or you will be taking 3 tums after every meal."

Aye, aye, aye.

I have tried to explain advertising to him. How they are trying to sell you everything, but that you need to truly think about it. Do I really need that? Still they are sooooo impressionable.

I think that this calls for an end to all TV.

Yeah, right.

They would just start in on the radio commercials.