Parents switched to VHS tapes to entertain the kids — they were astonished by the results
Excessive screen time because of on-demand streaming services has become a major problem for many kids and adults. A couple was going through the same concern with their two kids. So when things got a little too much, they decided to come up with a creative solution to keep the entertainment going while also reducing the kids' screen time. The solution also allowed the parents to keep a watch on what their kids were seeing on TV, per a post by the mom, Rachel Schaefer, who goes by @hellorachaelrose on TikTok. The video received over 25,700 views.
"When Netflix and Disney Plus become overwhelming, you buy a VHS player so your kids can experience movies the way you did," the text overlay of the video read. As the clip began, the dad was walking out of the car with his two kids and a VHS player in hand. The family also had quite a few DVDs to play on the set. At the same time, the kids were really excited to pick one movie to watch as their dad inserted the DVD into the VHS player and the tape started playing. The children had the biggest smiles on their faces as "The Lion King" played on the small screen.
"We've really cut back on TV time, mostly because we don't want our kids having access to whatever is on streaming apps. Jordan and I decided to hunt for an old VHS TV so the kids can watch movies that we've approved," the mom explained through the caption. "We hunt for old VHS movies they can collect and make it a special experience. The kids have loved every moment of it (and so have we.)" Rachael had always been a little worried about her kids' screen time, as her son, Jack, was only three months old during the COVID-19 pandemic, per Newsweek. At that time, the screens were the only effective form of entertainment. "Jack was three months old when COVID happened and media consumption became a daily habit in our household."
"In these last four years, we’ve seen apps evolve. Everything is digitized and easily accessible. Content of a wide age range is grouped and deemed ‘appropriate for children’ without restriction of the option thereof." She was concerned about what her two sons were watching, so she turned to her own childhood for a solution. "My husband had the idea to find a little VHS TV we could put in the kids' room so they could watch movies we've approved." The parents were astonished by the results they witnessed. "Their productivity has skyrocketed. Their ability to be bored and be OK with being bored has led them to love independent play. It's really brought peace of mind to both Jordan and me and has created sweet memories for the entire family."
People applauded the family's decision in the comments section of the TikTok video. @itstaytertots wrote, "Yes, ma'am, we bought a DVD player this year and are rebuilding quite the collection. All these subscriptions and streaming services and YouTube and the internet. It's too damn much." @tiffanyturk92 commented, "We’re planning to do this for Ophelia! I’m super excited about it." @haleymango14 remarked, "I'm looking for one for my girls! Such a good idea."
@hellorachaelrose We’ve really cut back on TV time mostly because we don’t want our kids having access to whatever is on steaming apps. Jord and I decided to hunt for an old VHS TV so the kids can watch movies that we’ve approved. We hunt for old VHS movies they can collect and make it a special experience. The kids have loved every moment of it (and so have we) ♥️ #nostalgia #90sthrowback #makingmememories #specialmoments #vhs ♬ The Scientist - Coldplay
You can follow Rachael Schaefer (@hellorachaelrose) on TikTok for more lifestyle content.