https://paloaltoonline.com/blogs/p/print/2015/07/28/im-glad-i-turned-on-the-tv

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I'm glad I turned on the TV

Our family tries to use our TV in moderation. While we limit our son's screen time, he does have a handful of favorite movies and television shows that he enjoys watching.

Recently I was in need of a break. I asked my son if he wanted to watch a show while I regrouped and, of course, he said "yes."

While I greatly appreciated my break, I failed to anticipate the aftereffects. Like many kids' shows, this one included non-TV activities for kids to do with their parents afterwards - crafts, games, projects, etc. Our son was eager to do one of the projects - making a large train out of cardboard boxes. Luckily, he was OK waiting until later in the week when his sister was asleep (there are many things you can do while holding a baby...cutting cardboard boxes isn't one of them).

At first I just wanted a 30 minute break. But, in the end, I ended up spending most of yesterday afternoon making trains out of cardboard boxes with my son. Complete with tracks and scenery. It was a creative and enjoyable activity and one I probably wouldn't have pursued without our son's insistence. This is one instance that I'm glad I turned on the TV.