Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Television (was Teen room advice request)

[pattymara (pattymara]

At Tierra Nueva, Central CA Coast, we have a large screen tv in the room
which was originally programmed as the "Music Room" when we had musicians
in the group.....8 years later when we finally moved in there was only
one person who had dreams of being a musician, and no actual musicians
needing practice space.  So we put a donated big screen and couches and
pillows in the room and it is one of the most populated rooms in the
common house.  AND we have cable.  Scandalous, eh?

And yes, we do big parties for the oscars, super bowl, anything dealing
with Barbra Striesand, basketball and baseball.  Also, many video
events..and a faithful West Wing contingent every Wednesday night.  

Our latest issue revolving around the room is that our teens end up
sleeping there overnight with their friends.  Or just their friends
("Strangers in the Common House", sung to the tune of Strangers in the
Night).  Some of our older folk don't like to see kids sleeping on
couches without bedding or sleeping bags, and they don't like walking
into the room and being surprised by sprawling bodies.  Talks continue.

Families who restrict TV in their homes had some qualms about the
availability of cable TV in the common house, but it seems that they are
dealing with it by talking to their kids, extending the same level of
supervision that they have at home to common house activities.  It seems
to work fine.  

I have never understood the stigma of having a TV in the common house or
in my own home.    I think the real work is in the selective use.

coheartedly,
Patty Mara Gourley
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