Unexpected rewards of frugality

**elphie** · 12-28-2008, 05:28 PM

Today my kids and I were playing one of the new board games they got for Christmas when a friend called. I answered the phone but told her I'd have to call her back because we were playing a game. Later when I called her she complained that she hadn't managed to pull the kids away from the tv all weekend. I told her we don't have that problem since we dropped our satellite coverage and don't have many channels. We have to find other ways to fill our time and as I said I realized that a very simple choice, made for frugalities sake, had completely changed the dynamic of our family. Instead of spending a cold afternoon staring at a screen and not really paying much attention to each other we were laughing, joking, and enjoying each other's company. What a blessing.

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-28-2008, 05:33 PM

That is a blessing. We did the same thing and we dont miss tv one bit.

**Ilovesewing** · 12-28-2008, 05:41 PM

I can't agree with that more!

My dkids are grown now, but my nephew will be nine next week. We saw him for -I am NOT exaggerating - maybe 3-4 minutes on christmas day. He was tucked away in another room playing video games. That is all.he.does. All.day.long. It's just about the saddest thing to watch. His mom and dad forget he's in there. He came out to open gifts, or rather rip thru them as fast as possible to get back to his tv/games. That would be the 3-4 minutes we saw him. He did come out to eat dinner, but ate before anyone else did so he was done by the time we sat down.

Sorry - vent there. Good for you for taking this stand with your kids. They will remember the days you all played board games together. The others will remember, hmmm, I'm not sure??!!

**C@rol** · 12-28-2008, 05:52 PM

That did work out great.
More family quality time.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-28-2008, 08:05 PM

That's great.

We don't have cable, only 2 stations and most of it is garbage. Our kids got use to being creative and doing other things and seldom is the tv on.

**Momto2Boyz** · 12-28-2008, 09:41 PM

Good for you! We have TV, but DH is mainly the one who watches it. I've tried to get him to cancel the cable, but he has to have his football, and I'd probably miss watching the news in the morning.

The kids watch some, but not much. They'd rather play games, or ride bikes or play with friends outside.

I think we reap alot of rewards from being frugal, however, we've been doing them so long, I don't think I can pinpoint any of them!

**Debbie-cat** · 12-28-2008, 09:58 PM

Good for you!! How much fun!!

Those are the memories your kids will remember.

**bumplett** · 12-28-2008, 10:00 PM

Bravo! Cable is one of the saddest wastes of money! (IMO)

**elphie** · 12-28-2008, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by Momto2Boyz

I think we reap alot of rewards from being frugal, however, we've been doing them so long, I don't think I can pinpoint any of them!

I know what you mean, I never would have thought of this if I hadn't been having that conversation with my friend.

btw- your avatar pic is really good!

**mom2matty** · 12-29-2008, 12:54 AM

That's fantastic!! We are striving to spend more family time that doesn't include tv! We have such a great time as a family when we spend it together!!

**MommyBliss** · 12-29-2008, 03:49 AM

How awesome that is! Good for you.

**MoonMommy** · 12-29-2008, 06:03 AM

That is great. We have cable, but more often than not, it is turned off (at the strip) all day, so the kids have to find other things to do. They are used to the fact that they can't sit in front of the TV/Computer all day long.

I love board games. We got the kids some new ones as well and they are enjoying them. Uno attack is a favorite so far as well as Trouble. Must be something about that die popping thing.

**MyMelody** · 12-29-2008, 08:46 AM

When dh and I got married, I actually registered at Wal-Mart for a few board games and card sets. My coworkers thought I was deranged and bought them for me for a joke, but I think we're getting the last laugh!

**redhead68** · 12-30-2008, 04:40 PM

Our kids got Apples to Apples Jr. for Christmas from a family friend, and we've been playing it every night before the kids go to bed. We also enjoy UNO, an oldie, but definitely a goodie.

**craftypam** · 01-01-2009, 04:33 AM

I haven't had cable in years and people think I'm crazy, truthfully I'd rather have the money. Just a note; We've been getting together with our adult kids and their girlfriends to play games and I have been buying them at the used clothing store for $3. I was also looking for skip bo; I got it and uno for $3.