By Barbara Brock

Barbara Brock teaches at Eastern Washington University, lives in Spokane, and recently wrote a great book about families that survive without television. Her book, entitled “Living Outside the Box: TV-free Families Share Their Secrets,” documents the reasons some American families have chosen to eliminate television from their homes, and also explains how these families have made that change. The 214-page book is very readable, entertaining, and ultimately inspiring. Brock’s book was published by Eastern Washington University Press in 2007. The book is available at the Moscow library and at BookPeople.

Q: Does your interest in living TV-free come from your own experience?
A: Yes, for the last 22 years, we have lived without TV. When we were younger, as graduate students and then as new parents, we were just too busy. We stayed active and never had time for TV.

Q: What do your children think about TV? Are they sorry to have missed out on TV while growing up?
A: Actually, our kids, now 14 and 18, are much more radical about TV than I am. They wonder how others find time to waste on TV.

Q: The bulk of your book is a report of your survey of TV-free families. How did that survey happen?
A: I was curious about TV-free families and parents who raise children without a television. This was in 1999 to 2000. I began by placing three small ads in magazines seeking responses from TV-free families. A total of 300 families responded and then completed my 22-page questionnaire. In 2002, my article about this topic appeared in a professional journal, and now this book has been published.

Q: Were the families who responded satisfied with their decision to be TV-free?
A: Overwhelmingly yes. Ninety percent reported no regrets in that decision. In addition, about 80 percent stated that their marriages were stronger without TV in the home and about 70 percent reported that their children acted better without TV.

Q: How do the families who responded to the survey suggest making the transition to being TV-free?
A: Almost everyone said that the best way to end the TV addiction is to go cold turkey. Some people reported that they actually threw their TVs in a dumpster. They said that setting limits for TV watching just does not work. They also agreed that after a very short adjustment time, the improvements will be obvious and everyone will be supportive of the change.

Q: What is the one best source of information for parents considering going TV-free?
A: The best website is from the Center for Screen-time Awareness at http://www.screentime.org/. This group sponsors the TV Turnoff Week every April. The website is full of downloadable resources and useful support information for parents considering this option.