Ellen Currey-Wilson

I really enjoyed this book. I chose to read it as this past week was Turn Off TV Week.

Yes, the author has nutjob neurotic tendencies (she seems to find fault with whatever scenario occurs) - but these don't detract from her overall mission, which is to conquer her addiction to TV and to raise her son without it. This book had a lot of humor in it, and I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. I could relate a LOT to the author's struggles with TV - having watched MORE than my fair share growing up and still now to this day, this made me take a look at my habits and try to set limits for myself again. And it definitely reaffirms my belief as a parent that no TV for kids is the way to go! It let me peek into the future a bit to see what troubles may be coming my way as I raise my child free from TV - situations that will undoubtedly arise with his friends and other parents, and even school. I am thankful that Currey-Wilson has started a yahoo-group to help other TV-Free families find support and camaraderie.… (mere)

I really enjoyed The Big Turnoff by Ellen Currey-Wilson. The memoir follows the author’s adventures raising her son without television when she herself is a TV addict. She talks about the challenges (will her son fit in at school without knowing all the cool TV shows? How will she find time for herself without plopping her son down in front of Sesame Street?) and joys (playing with her child, being the her son’s friends’ favorite house to visit) of trying to raise a TV-free kid in the modern world while weaning herself off reruns of old sitcoms and classic movies. It was both comical and eye-opening; definitely a great read, with lots to think about without being preachy.… (mere)

For much of my childhood, we didn't have a TV and I think it affected me in many ways. Aside from having huge holes in my pop culture knowledge when it comes to TV shows, I also think it influenced why I am such an avid reader. The issue of television was a big one for me when I had my own son so this book was of particular interest. This is a really well-written book about one mother's quest to keep her son from watching TV and the difficulties of doing this in our TV-focused society. I very much related to her struggles in her quest and as a mother, and it raises many interesting questions about TV and children. I think this is a must read for any parent!… (mere)

A self-described neurotic mom, Currey-Wilson delivers a hysterical account of trying to prevent her son Casey from growing up addicted to TV and its culture. As she battles her own addiction by sneaking to the guest room to watch during naps, she bodily blocks Casey's TV viewing at friends' houses, worries about Casey's acceptance with his peers, and second guesses her decision to keep him from watching any TV or playing video games until he's at least six.

What results is a child who is bright, well adjusted, and imaginative. Perhaps the most interesting result is that Casey is completely comfortable in his own skin (unlike his mother). Without the bombardment of advertising telling him he's not good enough unless he has this certain product, he is confident and likes himself. His mother worries that fellow students will ostracize him because he doesn't play "Batman" or "Power Rangers," and she worries about being ostracized by her own friends because she doesn't put him in front of the TV to get things done or enjoy playdates. She finds out that she's overly paranoid and she and Casey are more admired than ridiculed. And surprise! Casey opts not to watch TV or play games even when he gets the option.

Currey-Wilson's self-deprecating humor and candor are refreshing and laugh-out-loud funny. She has a housekeeper weekly, a babysitter, and a husband who cooks every meal, so at first I was a little hesitant about relating to her. My fears were allayed as soon as she transcribed discussions with her husband. It sounded just like I imagine every new mother & father discussion involving something as huge as a child's future. While she does take some things a little overboard, she's willing to admit it and laugh about it. Her mother, husband, son, friends, and sister are as developed and entertaining as any work of fiction. It's a page-turner, even though there aren't fictional plot twists. This book is awesome.… (mere)