Our TV-Obsessed Family of Six Went Screen-Free & Here's What Happened

7 months ago my family got rid of our tv, and this is what happened.
|| ABOUT ME ||
Hello! My name is Seleena, I am a mama to 4 boys, and married to my best friend. My hope is that when you leave here from watching my life, you’ll feel more thankful for your own. I’m striving to live a content life, and to help others do the same. I talk about
Jesus
Slow living
Minimalism
Homeschool
Non toxic living
Homemaking
Declutterring the home and heart, one day at a time
🫶🏽
Yoto card case: a.co/d/jiesCdr
"This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24
Inquires: [e-mail]
Music: Epidemic Sound
#minimalism #screenfree #screenfreeactivities #christianmotivation #slowliving

[@OriginalMotherhood]

I limit screen time a lot for my toddlers and sometimes I feel alone in that pursuit. It's always nice to hear stories of other families prioritizing play over screens. Thanks for sharing!

[@SeleenaOtt]

You’re not alone! 🫶🏽🤍

[@banakm25]

You’re not alone! And it can get frustrating when you try to set up okay dates but the other kids bring an I pad with them. I hope more and more families start to detach from screens so our kids can have their childhood back.

[@banakm25]

Play**

[@halleymastrolonardo]

We are also a Screen free family here and Charlotte Mason based home educators! Love meeting others on the same journey. Not many of us out there lol. Bless you! Your children will have an amazing childhood!

[@SeleenaOtt]

Aw!! Thank you so much Halley!! We need to connect! 🫶🏽

[@kindnessmatters4068]

I grew up without a tv ❤ and I chose not to for my family as well. Good job, Momma!! Appreciate your honesty!! ❤ We LOVE books here, too!!😊

[@SeleenaOtt]

I love that!! So rare!!

[@MarshallOtt]

PLEASE do a video of some books that you read to our boys that helped pull our boys out of tv addiction! ps youre cute and i love you and am so proud of you

[@SeleenaOtt]

🥰🥰🥰😉😉😉

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

There's so much grace in your videos.... I love the way you explain things...and... you look super adorable in your new haircut! God Bless your beautiful family!

[@SeleenaOtt]

Thank you so much!! Your comments always make me smile! 🫶🏽

[@kayleighjohnson3612]

This speaks so deeply to what I’ve been feeling for my family for a long time. My husband laughs at my no tv ideas though. Thank you for reinvigorating this desire, I guess it’s time to fast and pray about it before I bring it up to my husband again!

[@SeleenaOtt]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

I've been using the Charlotte Mason method for the past 8 years.... 😊👍as a mom to 6 kids, we love it!

[@SeleenaOtt]

Aw what!! Yes I love that 🫶🏽🤍 what are all your kids ages? If you don’t mind me asking 🤍

[@fallonbernard4499]

And how. Because we just started and I’m a mom of four and I just can’t get the hang of it with these toddlers. I’m new to it and it feels like so much prep work for me. And I just don’t know if I can sustain this. I am always anxious because I’m like I haven’t started this and this and this.

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

@@fallonbernard4499 aww, sweet mama... I know it feels impossible sometimes, especially when they are very little! But this is exactly what Mason emphasizes...at that age they need to play... they learn more than us moms think...🤗😅 I will be very happy to send you some material if you would like to email me.👍✨️

[@rachelmiller7086]

Pleeeeease keep making KZbin videos!!! So inspired by you!

[@SeleenaOtt]

That’s the sweetest comment 😌🥰🫶🏽 Lord willing, there will be more videos :) I’m aiming for every Friday!

[@thedavishaus]

So excited to see you again on my feed 🥰 we love reading books as a family. Right now we have been going through Little Pilgrims Progress and love it. Beautiful illustrations and meaning behind the words written. ❤

[@SeleenaOtt]

Aw!! I’ve been wanting to read that! I tried reading the original pilgrims progress to my kids, and my boys aren’t quite ready for it 😅🤍

[@thedavishaus]

@@SeleenaOtttotalllyyyy agree 😅 not sure if I’m ready for it hahaha my almost 3 year old has loved the animal version (and mostly pictures) so far though, definitely a good one for the TBR 😊 so excited to see more videos from you to come!

[@cheryljohnston8687]

I've been thinking of this. I'm definitely addicted. I moved TV Movies and cartoons for the children to the weekends. During the week we use laptops for homeschool. They have tablets that I allow them to use once every couple of so weeks as a treat. I think my phone is between me and my children and my husband. I'm always picking it up. Whether its social media, games or ebooks. I have a busy mind. I am praying and doing better some days. I need structure.

[@SeleenaOtt]

It’s so hard! The addiction is soo real, and not talked about enough. You’re not alone 🤍

[@TarrynS1]

Beautiful way of living, Seleena! So glad you’re back and love your shorter hair! ❤

[@SeleenaOtt]

You’re the sweetest!! Thank you Tarryn! So honored to have found such amazing souls here on KZbin, which includes YOU!

[@TarrynS1]

@@SeleenaOtt aww, thank you so much and ditto! 🥰

[@justnatalie4868]

It’s nice to hear someone be honest about this stuff. I did the same thing for a while until one day I decided we were done with the tv. Getting rid of the tv turned out to be very rewarding for the entire family.

[@SeleenaOtt]

That’s amazing!!

[@emilymcclain591]

All of this is so great! We pulled the plug on the tv and then we experienced a stressful season and leaned on the tv again and we definitely see the impact. This is the motivation I need to reassess our tv usage. Thank you!!

[@SeleenaOtt]

Love it!! 🥰

[@Dana-mb1hd]

I just found your channel thru this video and I am so grateful ❤. This is something I’m struggling with in my home. Thank you for the encouragement ❤❤❤❤

[@SeleenaOtt]

Aw yay! So happy it encouraged you!

[@stephm1979]

Thank you for making this video 😊 I’m going to write all these tips down for when I’m lost on what to do!

[@calmingcolors09]

My husband and I were just talking about this last night. Our daughter is only 4 months old but we want to have a plan so that we don't rely on screens with her. You have some really helpful tips and painted a lovely picture of what life looks like without the tv.

[@SeleenaOtt]

Thank you for watching! 😌🫶🏽

[@tamiurquizo746]

This was very inspiring. Thank you for this. ❤❤❤

[@tamiurquizo746]

I've been wanting to try this out, but I'm scared. I have 2 toddlers. We only have screen time for 30 mins to sometimes an hour a day. I want to break it completely. I have to get my hubby on broad.

[@SeleenaOtt]

Honestly, two toddlers is so hard! That was the hardest season for me as a mama, so give your self grace! 30 minutes is still so much better than what most kids are consuming! So you’re doing great! That age is harder to entertain, but I think audio stories, sensory activities, and outdoor time is what I did mostly when I had just littles. You’re doing great 🫶🏽

[@Baboyglen17]

I always look forward to your videos! You bring insight and wisdom with each and every one. We just removed our tv and I was encouraged by this video shortly after doing so! Would love to hear about your kids favorite Yoto cards as we have one and are just starting to build our collection 💕

[@SeleenaOtt]

Maybe I’ll do a video on yoto cards, but right my boys are loving the magic tree house stories!

[@jenniferjacques4971]

Loved this video. We’ve had the TV in our guest closet for months now and just brought it back out recently though I’m quickly realizing we need to put it away again. One of the things I’ve learned in the 5 months we’ve had it in the closet is that the TV, and all technology, is a tool that we can utilize during a specific season or time (for example we all had the stomach bug and so it came back out for a couple days so we could rest and recover) but for our family it’s not healthy for it to be our default. I think your analogy of it being junk food for the mind is such a great way to put it. Just like those foods are fine to have every once in a while, it is not what your diet should be comprised of on a daily basis.

[@SeleenaOtt]

We were sick two months ago and same girl, we brought the projector out for the day! It’s a blessing to have the option to watch movies on days like that for sure! It’s a great opportunity to show our kids what self control and healthy moderation can look like 🥰

[@luccalele9740]

I am so tempted and convicted to get rid of tv but living in the city in texas in a small house with no outdoor space, it’s hard imagine surviving the summers without the tv breaks! But I’m inspired thank you for the video!

[@SeleenaOtt]

That’s totally understandable! Thank you for watching 😌

[@hollymckinlay5703]

Love this! Thank you!! ❤

[@brookeparler7452]

We've been educating with Ambleside Online for 4 years now. Love Charlotte Mason so much! Love hearing how it's impacted your family - so much good! Thanks for sharing 🤍

[@SeleenaOtt]

I love Ambleside Online!! So amazing. Thanks for watching 🫶🏽

[@Hannahjoyhaynes]

Yay so excited to see a video from you!

[@SeleenaOtt]

🥹😭😩🫶🏽 thank you!

[@mrs_courtneymay]

This encouraged me so much ❤ the times we’ve gone screen free, It’s been amazing. It’s so easy to slip back into bad habits. I think we will be getting the tv out of the house. 😅 and doing a projector. This seems like the only real way to reduce the temptation.

[@SeleenaOtt]

You got this! Whatever you decide to do for your family, it’s great that these things are on your mind and that you are aware 🫶🏽🤍

[@evelynmom2902]

This is a very encouraging video, thank you. I’m starting out TV detox effective immediately!

[@kjhoal]

Loved this video, thank you so much!

[@SamanthaOsko]

Thank you for sharing your experience in this journey! As a family, we have contemplated getting rid of the TV before, but there always seems to be some excuse not to (with four kids 5 and under). This video has definitely motivated me to just rip the bandage off and be screen-free as soon as possible!

[@bonniebanjo7]

Same here!!

[@SeleenaOtt]

That’s amazing 🥹🤍 good luck! You got this!

[@tamiurquizo746]

I listen to childlike wonder. It's such a beautiful song. I'll definitely be listening to it this week. Do you have any more songs in the making?

[@SeleenaOtt]

Aw that makes me so happy! Thank you for listening! I do actually!! It will hopefully be released in the next couple of months!

[@shaiyannemyrick9265]

Loving your haircut ❤ great video. I have been thinking about this for a few weeks esp with winter on the way…

[@SeleenaOtt]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰

[@allthingsdelana]

You should do a video on book recommendations.

[@samanthab5006]

My son is 15 months old and he has loved books since he could sit up on his own. We were reading up to 20 unique books by request per day. Lately he has been asking for the TV a lot. We don't show short form content or cartoons so mostly farming shows for kids like Cog Hill Farm kids or animations of some of his favorite books. When did you start reading more complex books to your boys.

[@evaha33eva6]

So happy for you !! What an example :))

[@SeleenaOtt]

Thank you so much!!

[@feliciasuris2381]

Hello, great video thank you! 1st time finding you and been on minimalism journey for half a year now. 90% of our things are decluttered now. Life has been better with less toys and extra things but tv always pulls us backwards. I show my toddler too much in the day and leave him while I do some things sometimes. My husband will game at night and I'll watch TV or KZbin and less time together. We are BIG tv people and I went from it being on all the time to like 2 hours a day but I think what's better for our relationships and mental health is try a detox of unplugging the tv and only watching some stuff on the weekends with all the free time and when dad is home all day if we want. The weekdays of appts etc to binge movies all night with causal talk every night is getting blah

[@SeleenaOtt]

Yup! You’re not alone! And I’m so happy you’re here! 🫶🏽

[@feliciasuris2381]

@SeleenaOtt were agnostic I think I'd say, open minded to everything and don't think too hard on stuff but I still enjoy the videos you have posted and figure out what works best for us thank you. I told my husband about the 2 week detox were gonna do and see how it works and he agreed! We won't get rid of our tv for our family but minimizing alot of it should help us bond, start reading, relax our minds, etc. 🧡

[@SeleenaOtt]

Yay!! Let me know how it goes!!

[@Simplystarra]

This is so random… but I love your song accidental Pharisee… can you put that in your Spotify as you did on your Instagram. It’s tooo good 😢❤❤❤❤❤

[@SeleenaOtt]

Aw!! That’s so sweet 😭🫶🏽 I’ll try!

[@jaseandgeorgie5000]

So inspiring Seleena ❤

[@SeleenaOtt]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰

[@Jesus.is.King.]

Our TV is the phone and DVD player I have been decreasing the phone screen time so much lately. But I like to wine him down after a long day of work with a DVD player I know exactly what he's watching and I don't have to fight with him on shows to not watch

[@alittleheavenonearth]

We sold our tv LONG ago 😂😂😂 if only parents knew how bad screen is for their kids 😅

[@pamelalima5401]

I think the most end up using because sometimes they need kids entertained for a moment so mom can cook or take a shower

[@alittleheavenonearth]

@@pamelalima5401 IPad we use ...

[@kathleenr8839]

I am starting off by not doing TV on week nights! You’re so right it IS an addiction - whenever we would take “breaks” from tv, I felt like I had a whole different kid. What state do yall live in? It looks so beautiful in your backyard - I live in Alaska and it is so miserable for me 6 months out of the year, I want to move so we can enjoy more outside time!

[@SeleenaOtt]

We live in Idaho and absolutely love it! We get all four seasons, but they are not extreme, so you can enjoy each one :) That’s so great that you found a good TV rythym for you and your family!

[@kathleenr8839]

@@SeleenaOtt awesome thanks for the reply! Sounds amazing!

[@tunneleddiscovery5]

Could you say what the book is you’re using for you kids yoto cards?

[@SeleenaOtt]

Our favorites right now are magic tree house, Beatrix potter books, and some marvel cards. We don’t have too many, but hoping to get more soon ;)

[@harleighstringer]

my son's screen time has been absolutely out of control bc we've bern so busy. my mom picks him up from school and she works from home, so she has to go back to work while he sits on a screen. then when we get home, i have to cook dinner so he ends up on a screen. however yesterday when we got home, his switch was dead so he played football in the livingroom while i made dinner and then this morning chose to play again before school instead of sitting on his switch and it was so refreshing and opened my eyes so much. i dont think we'll ever completely get rid of screens, but i would like to limit it more

[@SeleenaOtt]

That’s amazing!! 🥰🥰

[@megan6114]

Thank you this is so helpful. I Would love to know what some of your favorite family movies are?

[@AloraLacen]

Would love any book suggestions for 2.5-3yr old range ❤

[@KNC298]

What's the gizmo called that reads the book aloud w the cards ????? Thanks !

[@MarshallOtt]

Yoto mini player 😃

[@user-ix5qd1bp4q]

Good Neighborhood nice .

[@CaitlynVanGrinsven]

Where did you get your YOTO card case? We love our YOTO but struggling to store cards and not lose them :)

[@SeleenaOtt]

It’s a credit card case I found on Amazon! I’ll try to link it :)

[@SeleenaOtt]

a.co/d/jiesCdr

[@zayracerise]

Please share some books!!!

[@krazykidz9581]

How long did it take for your boys to stop asking for the TV? We did a 10 week TV detox earlier in the year and that whole time my 7 year old asked for the TV. I'm desperate to get rid of the TV though my 3 year old is now constantly asking for TV and both my little boy keep asking for it. It is harder though because I also have 4 older kids who have tvs in their rooms so if I take the living room TV away they just go to their siblings rooms. I'm not sure how best to tackle this. X

[@SeleenaOtt]

The first week was the hardest, the second week felt better for us! Week 3 we started our movie nights, and since then they don’t usually ask for tv 😌 but our Tv is not hanging in our house, which is a huge reason I think they never ask!

[@TheKitchenWife]

New here. Would love to know the age range of your children in reference to the books you read.

[@SeleenaOtt]

Ages 0-6! 🫶🏽

[@Jules-740]

People act like you are the crazy one for not wanting screens.

[@zayracerise]

Do you have a book list that you follow or you could share? I have 4 boys also and I’m struggling to find good wholesome books to read as a family for boys! The girls list is endless every time I go to the library I find a plethora of girl series but hardly any boy centered books 😂

[@rebeccarupprecht9903]

Just David is a wonderful read!

[@SeleenaOtt]

So far their favorite books have been Narnia, sugar creek crew (not my personal favorite but they loved it), Winnie the Pooh, magic tree house, St. George and the dragon. I have a lotttt of books on my list, I’ll try to make a video! I some good book lists are on Ambleside Online, Simply Charlotte Mason, and John seniors 1000 good book list :)

[@Ms.A422]

What state are you guys in?

[@SeleenaOtt]

We’re in Idaho 🫶🏽