Our Car DVD Player
When we got a new car in 2012, we were more than impressed at the dealership with our soon-to-be family car. It had almost all the details of a minivan, but we got away with not getting a minivan (just yet).
One of the best features, we thought, was the backseat car DVD player for our children. We didn’t use it for a few months since both our children were rear-facing still. But that didn’t matter; we saw the car television as an asset to play educational videos.
Our Family Then
When they started using the car DVD player, it was the sensation. We all enjoyed it, especially because they had the headphones and my husband and I could listen to grown-up music or have a beautiful conversation without interruptions.
Soon, it became an obsession. They wanted to watch videos on the car DVD player every single time we got in the car. Tantrums would ensue if we decided to take a break from it. It seemed like our children had forgotten what it was like to be in the car without entertainment. This wasn’t ok with my husband and me at all.
Our Family Now
We chose to stop using the car DVD player. The real reason we gave it up? Family. We chose family. It is a new family tradition. How did this happen? How did we reach this conclusion? Well, it started this Summer. We went on a two-week trip and that trip changed our family’s life.
During the trip, the car DVD player seemed to be our saving grace, but in reality, I realized it was quite the opposite. It was a thief. We let the car television rob us of family time, great conversations, rest and peace together.
Why We Changed
We got a new vehicle this Summer and this one came without a car DVD player. When we got the new car, they were excited about it, but it was a big deal when they saw that there were no car televisions. We talked about it and how having a car television wasn’t as cool as we thought it was. Almost immediately, it felt as if a spell had been broken. It was magical. Peace reigned again.
Our family started talking again on car rides. We started to have deep conversations about life and the things that are important to us. We started to play music and sing together. We joke around and laugh a lot. We chose family over entertainment. We chose family. Period. Watching the change, the peace, the camaraderie between us and with each other warmed my heart.
Family is Everything
It was so worth giving car the DVD player up. We get to listen to our children’s loud and beautiful singing voices. We get to watch them look outside and learn about their world. They ask questions. We see the lightbulb going off in their heads. We get to talk about what is important and even talk about the mundane and non-sensical. But who cares?! We get to know each other and bond. I wouldn’t trade that for anything!
Our car rides are fun and peaceful. I cannot explain to you how wonderful it is, but I highly recommend it. I am not writing this post to pass judgement on those who do love their car televisions at all. I am simply stating how our family has changed for the better and how worth-it it has been for us to give them up.
Would you be willing to give them up for a week? Two weeks? The changes and improvements in your family dynamic might shock you (in a very good way).
Tricia says
We don’t currently have a car with TVs and I don’t think I want one. We don’t miss them (well, my son is still rear facing so we wouldn’t be able to take advantage anyway). I just think that kids today see SO many screens all the time, it’s nice to just be able to relax in the car, look out the window, and listen to music.
Katie @ Cup of Tea says
We have the same set up in our van and haven’t used it yet. I’ve been saving it. BUT I just know once you open that pandora’s box, you can’t close it again. Good thoughts!
Christina @There's Just One Mommy says
We don’t have a video player in our car. The kids enjoy the activities I bring in the car for them. And I enjoy listening to them as they play in the car.
Emilie says
We split the difference. No video in the car, but we have some books and small toys. We listen to books on tape in the car. Highly entertaining. Free from the library. I can pick out old favorites like Swiss family Robinson or Alice and Wonderland that my kids might not try otherwise. The Harry Potter series took almost an entire vacation to get through.