What have you found to be the most effective way to wean yourself off of television?

My wife and I have a two year old daughter and a three week old son. We both work and have a home, two dogs and two cats. I'm also working on starting my own business on the side that I hope will become full-time.

That being said, I want to cut out the time I waste in front of the TV mindlessly watching anything I can such as movies and shows I've already seen. If you have successfully cut out excessive television viewing in your life, how did you do it? We have already used the Parental Controls on the cable box to block any channles we don't want to watch. Do you have any other tips or tricks that worked best for you?

With a wife, a 2-year old, a 3-week old, pets and starting your own business, my question is how do you actually find time to watch tv?!

I used to watch a lot of tv and got sick of it. So now I tape the three shows I really, really like and that's all I watch. I still like other shows but just don't watch them. By taping them, I can watch them when I want and when I have time. I took out DVR and digital cable so all I have is basic cable - which also helps. Instead of watching tv, do something with your little girl (like color or something really silly that she'll enjoy and will get your mind off what's on tv). Walk your dog and take the whole family with you. A good way to not watch tv is find other people in your neighborhood & have a cook-out. Invite another family over and talk!!

You could also clean the house - I've found that once I get started doing that, it's all I can focus on until it's done. Getting started is the hard part though!!

Good luck with your business and if you really want to stop watching so much television, you will. If I can do it, anyone can.

Go camping for seven days. When you come back don't turn the telly on. You'll probably not use it that much anymore.

If that's not possible, just cut down your use. Read books instead and maybe take your family out for picknicks, and to the theatre.

CABLE TV IS ADDICTIVE, I DISCONNECTED MY CABLE RECENTLY BECAUSE WHEN I RETURNED TO SCHOOL FOR A JOB CHANGE I REALIZED I COULD NOT STUDY, EXCEPT AROUND MY FAVORITE SHOW TIMES. CABLE IS ON TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY AND ALL I NEEDED WAS THREE TO FOUR HOURS TO STUDY, AND I HAD TO QUIT COLD TURKEY. I HAVE A FULL TIME JOB BUT THAT'S ONLY EIGHT HOURS. IN ORDER TO ENJOY TV IN MY LEISURE TIME I NOW RENT MOVIES ON MY DAY OFF

Watch Big Brother, it turns me right off.