At what age did you let your kids watch primetime TV unrestricted?

[kalanamak]

Not yet. It is such disgustingly bad art, and there are truly lovely things to be had. I don't want to shelter kiddo from all non-G stuff, so Black Adder is in our future. Right now he likes old Looney Tunes and Mr. Bean. He'll also watch Yes, Minister or Keeping Up Appearances, which I put on while I clean.

 

But ... not a lot of screen time here.

[goldberry]

I voted 16-18, but really not before 17-18. And even then, if they wanted to watch something really awful I wouldn't have it on while we were home, because I wouldn't want it around me.

 

I surprised how many would let their youngers watch unrestricted. I think there is some really disgusting content out there. To each his own though!

[Wheres Toto]

I think it depends a little on the kid, but I also know that there comes an age where I want my kids to be able to be exposed to everything out there in the world while they're still under my roof and we're able to talk frankly about it and so forth. I'd much rather not get into a head to head battle about TV with a 13 or 14 yo. It's just stories. As long as we can talk about it, then it's not worth the battle, even if some of it is sleazy. I might hesitate a little, even at that age, for some of the things on HBO... but even then, the same general principle applies for me.

 

But gosh, Andy Griffith sure was good. :)

:iagree:

 

Well, sure...now. I would have said exactly the same thing when I had very small children.

 

I have teens. They often choose to watch Spongebob and other silly shows. But the lure is strong to watch anything "forbidden" in all kids and even in some adults (hence the constant threads about internet porn and women going on about their husbands being unable to control themselves, etc).

 

Do you really think kids are stronger than the struggling adults? You are overestimating your children if you think they will never, ever choose to see anything awful that will lead to nightmares or worse. They won't even know why they did it but they will do it if there are no restrictions at some point.

 

I don't know about in general but my oldest has always self regulated her tv viewing. She never liked horror of any kind (even something like The Littlest Vampire scared her as a kid) so she won't watch it. She was not even remotely tempted.

 

I voted 12 to 14 since I think a teenager should be able to chose their own viewing from network television. Cable access I would watch much more closely.

 

My kids have tv's in their rooms. My oldest can watch what she wants but we don't have movie channels and she prefers reality dance and singing shows, teen dramas (Vampire Diaries) or science cop shows (CSI, NCIS, Bones). Considering she'll be out of the house in less than 6 months it seems silly to try to control her tv viewing. Between school, dance and work she's hardly ever home so she dvrs her favorite shows and barely has time to watch those.

 

My youngers have a tv in their shared room. They watch pbs, some Boomerang, some Nick Jr and DVDs. We have parental controls set but they show no interest in anything inappropriate. They have too many other interests to spend a lot of time watching.

[LeslieAnneLevine]

I voted 16-18, but really not before 17-18. And even then, if they wanted to watch something really awful I wouldn't have it on while we were home, because I wouldn't want it around me.

 

I surprised how many would let their youngers watch unrestricted. I think there is some really disgusting content out there. To each his own though!

 

Well, unrestricted doesn't have to equal a worst-case scenario of TV viewing--not at all.

 

That may happen in some homes, but this is TWTM forums, I am sure the parents know what their kids are watching and the kids know what they want to watch (and don't want to watch).

 

My son knows himself well and will not watch things that make him uncomfortable. He also doesn't channel surf, but goes between a few channels (mostly Disney, Nick and CN, sometimes Animal Planet and Food Network) or watches DVDs. I think by "unrestricted" a lot of people mean that they don't have to forbid anything, but that doesn't mean their kids see all the worst TV has to offer.

[LibraryLover]

My youngest and I have a tradtion of snuggling up in my bed at night to watch the iPad ;) (used to be the laptop). We like Modern Family, Dance Moms (with great and mutual shame), and Dance Academy. ;) I sneak- watch Criminal Minds. We don't have cable, but in reruns and hotels, I have enjoyed enjoyed Star Trek, as I like Patrick Stewart, 30 Rock (this on Netflix), The Big Bang Theory, The Office, and How I Met Your Mother. I think 30 Rock is great; even the back jokes make me laugh.

 

I probably watch more than my kids because I tend towards insomnia ( and I do know screens make it worse). My teens are not watchers, although they like movies. My oldest tends towards Colbert and Jon Stewart.

Edited May 15, 2012 by LibraryLover

[Mommy22alyns]

Probably when they're 18 and move out. Even DH and I don't watch primetime TV, certainly not unrestricted. The girls do not watch any Disney or Nick "tween" shows and they're not really on their radar. Becca likes to watch Mythbusters and Top Chef Just Desserts. The occasional bad word doesn't bother me. Pervasive bad behavior (not just by kids!), sexual situations, and violence do.

 

ETA: Basically everything we watch has been TiVOed, so we skip all commercials.

[sassenach]

I have a 15yo and she doesn't have free reign yet.

[Munchkins_mama]

My kids are still young, but we don't allow them ANY prime time viewing at the moment. We don't have cable ( because we are cheap, not because we morally oppose it) so the only stations we get are the main four and PBS. We also have netflix. They are not allowed to watch even Saturday morning cartoons because all the kids are so snotty and the parents are all 'dumb'. Not to mention to massive amounts of commercials...

 

On Netflix they are allowed very few shows that we have deemed clean enough. No iCarly, Fairly Odd Parents or anything else like that. Mostly they are not allowed to watch tv. They have books, games, and a huge backyard. When they move out, they can watch whatever they want but most of the prime time stuff makes ME blush so I would hope they would choose not to.

 

The only time the tv is on regular channels is when Dh and I are watching a show after the kids are supposed to be in bed. They are no allowed to sit and watch it with us; I have explained that it is inappropriate for their age and that they may not join us. Mommy and Daddy time. ;)

[catz]

Not yet. It is such disgustingly bad art, and there are truly lovely things to be had. I don't want to shelter kiddo from all non-G stuff, so Black Adder is in our future. Right now he likes old Looney Tunes and Mr. Bean. He'll also watch Yes, Minister or Keeping Up Appearances, which I put on while I clean.

 

But ... not a lot of screen time here.

 

Oooo LOVE black adder. That is such clever series. My oldest is just starting to watch that. (again - adult supervised, no ads - the ads are at least as big a problem to me as much of the prime time programming).

[Ellie]

Only one TV in the house. *We* don't watch prime-time TV unrestricted :blink: so there's no way our dc would be able to, until they moved out on their own when they were 18 or older. Also, until they were 12 or so, they were in bed or getting ready for it at 8 p.m., when prime-time started (West coast), so we didn't have to even think much about it.

 

Turns out that neither dd watches much prime-time TV. Both tend more towards DVDs and NetFlix/other streaming. Yay.

[ChristusG]

Never? Or at least until they move out.

 

I don't even allow myself to watch majority of Prime Time TV. We have a few shows that we DVR, but that's it. And none of them are comedies because I haven't found one that isn't completely filthy. I've dropped quite a few shows mid-season when they begin to focus on things that I deem wrong.

 

That being said, majority of what my girls watch is still PBS Sprout and Disney Junior. I'm a firm believer in what goes in, will come out. If my kids watch shows about name calling, kids who backtalk their parents, etc, then it will eventually come back out of them. So the Disney channel shows are out (except Disney Junior).

[Trish]

It is all a matter of taste because to me, SpongeBob is truly a terrible, inappropriate show but I would quite likely be ok with the Big Bang Theory for a 10+ year old.

 

:confused:

[Slartibartfast]

I don't allow my child to watch Primetime TV unrestricted. She is eleven and it seems there is quite a bit that I take issue with.

 

I was watching 30 Rock and my husband was telling me I should let dd watch a bit, "it doesn't seem that bad it is on regular TV." So I let her watch an episode.

 

Unfortunately that happened to be the episode with James Franco and his Japanese sex pillow. :glare:

[Parrothead]

Never. I don't even watch prime time tv "unrestricted" myself. Much of it is too offensive.

 

 

:iagree: I'm middle aged and don't watch unrestricted TV.

[LeslieAnneLevine]

:iagree: I'm middle aged and don't watch unrestricted TV.

 

:confused:

If you're choosing what to watch (or if to watch at all), how is that restricted? I have the feeling some people think unrestricted = randomly watching or watching everything.

[TranquilMind]

:confused:

If you're choosing what to watch (or if to watch at all), how is that restricted? I have the feeling some people think unrestricted = randomly watching or watching everything.

Mine is restricted by my DVR settings. So while I technically could plug in the code and watch, I don't. So I'm restricted too, but there are still inappropriate things that filter through the setting. So I'm self-restricting as I go along also.

[KidsHappen]

I don't think Primetime is garbage, so my opinion may be different than the majority on the board. Lol. We enjoy our sitcoms and series.

 

To answer your question, both children (ages 3 and 10) have pretty much unrestricted access to television (cable)... with a few exceptions. We do not allow Two and a Half Men for the 10 year old. We do, however, allow most other shows; our 10 year old daughter's favorites are Criminal Minds and Bones. Our 3 year old son is a fan of Umizoomi. Both have televisions (with cable) in their bedrooms.

 

 

This is pretty much the same at our house. I have a bigger problem with Disney than most prime time stuff. My kids don't really watch much tv as they don't have enough time but when they do watch it is usually either with us or with my older dds. There have been a few things that I was kind of uncomfortable with and would have probably discouraged if I had previewed it but most of that really went over their heads. We do discuss issues that come up on tv shows. They aren't allowed to watch a few of the cable channels and can't get any pay per view without permission.

[ksr5377]

My kids aren't old enough for this yet but I voted 16-19 because that's when I was allowed to watch what I wanted.....for the most part. Beverly Hills 90210 was forever on the No list. We don't watch much primetime but I plan on following in my mother's footsteps. There's way too much talked about on primetime like it's no big deal, even the 8pm shows. :ohmy:

[BakersDozen]

Never. I don't even watch prime time tv "unrestricted" myself. Much of it is too offensive.

 

So...if it violates our values...off it goes, if I'm around as long as they are on my watch.

 

I voted that I love The Andy Griffith Show. Tell your daughter to watch Gomer Pyle (esp the first season) or Full House. Still hilarious after all these years.

:iagree: (except that I can't stand Full House, lol).

 

We won't have prime time TV on in the house, period. The dc are growing up with The Waltons, Andy Griffith Show, etc. and I love it. :)

[TechWife]

Never. I don't even watch prime time tv "unrestricted" myself. Much of it is too offensive.

 

So...if it violates our values...off it goes

 

:iagree:

[mama2cntrykids]

Our tv is hooked up to a dvd/vcr only, so no primetime (or cable) here. That's fine with me. I don't want to have to monitor every.single.episode my kids may be watching. I really, really don't.

 

That being said, IF we did have regular tv (cable). They probably wouldn't be able to watch unrestricted until they were AT LEAST 15 years old. My youngest ds would probably be more like 16/17, b/c of how he processes things.

[The Girls' Mom]

No one in our house watches the prime time shows, so I guess it is never for us. The vast majority just seem to get trashier as the years go by, so we just gave up.

 

We catch things like Dr. Who and Stargate on Netflix, and watch Jeopardy and Antiques Road Show on regular TV....I think I turned into a nerdy grandma somewhere along the way.

[melmichigan]

I grew up watching Dallas and Knots Landing with my mother, she died when I was ten. That said we DVR anything prime time for ourselves and none of our DC watch it at this point. I still get that icky feeling from an episode of Criminal Minds I watched last season so I have no idea when that will change.

[kiwimummy]

Wow. An eye opening thread for me.

 

I never would have thought people would let 10yr olds watch Criminal Minds! That is often very freaky even for me (even though I enjoy it). There is no way I'd let my kids watch it. I totally consider it an adult program (16yrs +). There is no way ever they will have TVs in their bedrooms either.

 

We have one TV in the house, mainly use it to watch DVDs/movies of our choosing, hardly ever TV itself. We won't be getting another TV and I will never quite understand the culture of multiple TVs through houses, especially in children's rooms.

 

But to answer the OP - don't know cos we aren't there yet, perhaps 12-13yrs they would make most of their own viewing choices.

[phathui5]

I'm still pretty picky about what even our 11 year old can watch.

[Slartibartfast]

No one in our house watches the prime time shows, so I guess it is never for us. The vast majority just seem to get trashier as the years go by, so we just gave up.

 

We catch things like Dr. Who and Stargate on Netflix, and watch Jeopardy and Antiques Road Show on regular TV....I think I turned into a nerdy grandma somewhere along the way.

 

Don't watch Stargate Universe with them until you have seen it, there is quite a bit of TeA making...just in case you didn't know.

[Slartibartfast]

I grew up watching Dallas and Knots Landing with my mother, she died when I was ten. That said we DVR anything prime time for ourselves and none of our DC watch it at this point. I still get that icky feeling from an episode of Criminal Minds I watched last season so I have no idea when that will change.

 

Yeah I grew up watching Moonlighting with my parents and Dallas with my grandfather. (I remember the whole "Who shot JR" thing and I was five.)

 

I wouldn't let my kids watch either show.

Edited May 16, 2012 by Sis

[Jean in Newcastle]

We have one t.v. in the living room. We decide as a family what we are going to watch. We do watch a number of primetime shows but they tend to be more of the singing contest or other kind of contest variety. (Which sometimes we switch when an inappropriate act comes on.) My dh sometimes puts on what I think are inappropriate shows but changes them when I clear my throat meaningfully! Most of the time though, we talk about the choices that people on the shows make, whether they mirror the choices we would make or not.

[OrganicAnn]

I was thinking about asking this exact same question. We don't have cable. I was thinking about my childhood and I think I was allowed unrestricted tv at about 12, but TV programs were a little different back then (though Love American Style, Love Boat and Fantasy Island did have implied s@x).

 

There are so few choices on TV. My DD would hate the CSI stuff. Then there is the reality shows - American Idol, the Bachelor/ette, Survivor - you never know what you'll see. And sit coms - I like Big Bang, the Office, etc but I don't know that she would.

 

Oh well there are plenty of old classics on Hulu.

[Pamela H in Texas]

Well, I don't know how to answer that. My son watches a show (at 10 or 11something) that used to be a primetime show that I'd prefer he not watch. Most people here would probably not see an issue with the show though. At 17, I figure he's responsible for what he chooses to watch. He will switch it if it is overly-sexual (it isn't a show that would have violence or whatever).

 

However, in our home, if anyone else would even possibly be exposed to something, the rule is the strictest conscience. That is usually my daughter (age 19). That way, no one walks in on anything they would be offended about. My hubby has a very loose standard (even in his opinion) and keeps his watching to his mancave after the kids go to bed.

 

So it kinda depends. At 11pm, ds is the only one up so he can choose for himself. At 5 or 8pm, we'd go by the strictest conscience. At 5pm, we'd take in account the littles. At 8pm, the strictest conscience for us adults.

[Running the race]

My oldest is 15yo, almost 16. He doesn't even think to ask to watch TV. He'd much rather play video games. We mostly use Netflix instant here, so I approve shows on a case-by-case basis.

[homeschoolally]

I have no intention of doing it anytime soon. It isn't the shows necessarily, it is the commercials. I'm not sure which I find most objectionable, the body bags and crime scene stuff, or the dancing with the stars gyrating. :) maybe its the phony, dysfunctional bachelor/bachelorette drama.

I dont object to these things for myself, I watch them with hubby, but I don't want my kids to think this is 'normal' life.

My oldest is 14 and I'm holding out as long as I can. And my kids don't watch Andy Griffith, but Father Knows Best and Leave it to Beaver are Netflix regulars. I wonder sometimes if this is a bizarre social experiment. :D check in with me in 10 years and I'll have a better idea of its impact. Will my boys expect their wives to wear pearls in the kitchen? Will the girls be happy doting housewives? Will they have total culture shock? Maybe! I'm willing to take my chances.

[redsquirrel]

I have been wondering the same thing. My oldest is turning 12 this month, and I have a 7 year old. We don't have a television, just streaming on laptops. I don't think they have ever seen commercial television. So far, they are very willing to take my lead about series on Netflix. They like things like original Star Trek and Xena. I am allowing them to watch the current manifestation of Dr Who.

 

But... I allowed my eldest to watch 'Sherlock". It was way more grown up than anything he had ever seen. But, I knew he would LOVE IT! Only, now..the new season is out at the first episode is a doozy. I am not sure how I am supposed to explain what a dominatrix is. :lol: I really didn't see that one coming. He doesn't know it is on PBS and he has no way of getting there on his own. I have until season 2 starts showing on Netfix to figure this out.

[AimeeM]

Wow. An eye opening thread for me.

 

I never would have thought people would let 10yr olds watch Criminal Minds! That is often very freaky even for me (even though I enjoy it). There is no way I'd let my kids watch it. I totally consider it an adult program (16yrs +). There is no way ever they will have TVs in their bedrooms either.

 

We have one TV in the house, mainly use it to watch DVDs/movies of our choosing, hardly ever TV itself. We won't be getting another TV and I will never quite understand the culture of multiple TVs through houses, especially in children's rooms.

 

But to answer the OP - don't know cos we aren't there yet, perhaps 12-13yrs they would make most of their own viewing choices.

 

We have very different ideas of what is "freaky" and what isn't. Lol. I do not find Criminal Minds "freaky", so I'm less likely to see it as adult only programming.

With that said - don't forget Bones. We also allow Bones... and Law and Order... and we read fluff far more often than classics. The 10 year old has a phone with WiFi access and a PC in her bedroom. The 3 year old enjoys the unfettered use of our tablet and Mac.

 

Oddly enough, my daughter is a well rounded, incredibly kind child who would rather offer to help the neighbors clean their cars than watch television - regardless of that we allow unrestricted access to it. She doesn't yet kill kittens for the fun of it; nor does the 3 year old (although he is rather fond of pulling the dog's tail - it must be Max and Ruby)... that I know of :lol:.

[QueenCat]

Once I went up to my room during the day to watch the latest "Bones" episode on my iPad.

 

My neighbour and friend was outside and my kids told her, "Mommy is upstairs in her room watching a adult movie so we are suppose to leave her alone."

 

:lol: Great laugh, thanks!

[SunnyDays]

We allow DS to watch a few things now. Certainly not unrestricted prime time. We watch things like Hawaii Five-O, Supernatural, Blue Bloods, Burn Notice... he's not ready for those.

 

Oh, and we LOVE Big Bang Theory... we don't allow him to watch it yet, but probably within the next couple years. I'm of the opinion that BBT, while it certainly has innuendo and sexual situations, is also incredibly well written and very smart comedy. (I miss *smart* fast paced shows, like Frasier and The West Wing.)

[The Girls' Mom]

Don't watch Stargate Universe with them until you have seen it, there is quite a bit of TeA making...just in case you didn't know.

 

Lol...yeah we found that one out. They didn't like that one much anyway after they realized Jack and Daniel weren't main characters :D

[prairiegirl]

I wouldn't call my children's TV watching unrestricted. I have been letting my almost-13 yr. old watch more shows in the past three months but I always watch with her. She has been watching Castle (she hides her eyes for the yucky parts), Missing and Touch. My 11 yr. old has been watching Touch as well.

[Lizzie in Ma]

I am strange about the whole thing. I don't make arbitrary rulings per se about tv shows but I do talk to the kids a lot about what they are watching.

We don't have more than 10 cable channels but we do have Netflix and Hulu.

 

Show that have sex or sexual story-lines in them are pretty much out. Shows that are downright stupid are frowned on. Shows that are pretty much inane are out too. Kids shows that portray adults, specifically parents, as unnecessary or buffoons are out as well. Shows with piss poor writing in general are out.

 

I prefer for us to be watching shows that have qualities in their character to admire in some way. Shows that stress traits like loyalty, friendship, love, patriotism, and such and shows that show character growth and look at the human condition in unique ways to discuss are more to my liking.

 

Perhaps it is easier to list the ones we love than describe examples of what I am trying to say?

Stargate SG1 is a stellar example of that sort of show, Atlantis as well.

Primeval, BBC Robin Hood, Leverage, Dr. Who, Xena, Startrek TNG, Hercules, Macgyver, Sanctuary, Numbers, Monk, 8 Simple Rules, BTVS and Angel though we still skip a few of the episodes and anything after season 6 for now due to the sexuality following that season. Firefly, skipping the occasional scene.

Once Upon a Time is a new family favorite as well. I am a Deadliest Catch addict and spend the 1.99 every week on Amazon streaming to catch up with my boys.

 

Our youngest (11) loves stupid shows like Drake and Josh, Pair of Kings and ANT farm. I discourage them but don't forbid them. I point out the behaviors that make me really dislike them and she acknowledges that yes, they do behave poorly. To put it simply, these shows are all about self. ICarly isn't as bad, there are some family values in that one. Good Luck Charlie is utterly horrific, the mother is the most utterly selfish, self centered person I've ever seen written for a kids show. I didn't mind Hannah Montana for the most part, I thought it was kind of sweet and there were lessons in it.

 

We loved Big Bang Theory when it first came out but I think the writers just didn't get WHY people loved it. There is a little Leonard and Sheldon in all of us and it was endearing. Then they went totally in the gutter when they added the girlfriends. I still watch it, but not with the kids. Which makes me sad.

 

I wanted to love Glee and the music is amazing but I just can't get past the story-lines. I know, as my mil is fond of telling me, that this is just real life and she doesn't get why I restrict it. I restrict it because, real or not, there is just no reason to immerse yourself in it. I don't have a problem with gay characters. I have a huge problem with the adultery, the lying, the sex and the behavior of some of the characters. DD was crushed when I said no to the new season because she adores Damien McGinty from Celtic Thunder but we tried watching it and I just can't. There may well be some redeeming qualities to it, but not near enough to make it ok for us.

 

DD had a friend for an overnight and they watched some of Vampire Diaries on her laptop in her room. I didn't punish her but we had a really good conversation about choices and why I would prefer she didn't watch shows I haven't cleared. We spoke of discernment in reading and viewing choices and why it's important. About why watching shows with these intense teen relationships with any regularity can be harmful and distort her views on what is actually appropriate vs. what these shows portray. Ironically, we are huge Twilight fans but mostly because it is fun to be snarky about them as a whole. We all can't stand Bella.

 

Ok, I've spent too much time on this one, clearly. It is just that there isn't a simple answer to the question for me. I think arbitrary banning is a bad thing. I do think that watching with my kids, or at least keeping up with what they are watching is important. I think most show, in and of themselves are not going to scar my kids for life. I'd still prefer that they didn't watch most of what is available and/or popular.

[ma23peas]

I am in the never camp...we tivo ALL shows we watch, kids do not ever check live TV, we do not watch that much anyhow, but honestly the commercials are much worse than programming...we cancelled cable and LOVE paying just $20 a month for internet...

[Lizzie in Ma]

Don't watch Stargate Universe with them until you have seen it, there is quite a bit of TeA making...just in case you didn't know.

 

That show doesn't even deserve to be in the pantheon of the Stargate Universe. Blech

[Lizzie in Ma]

I voted 16-18. I loathe prime time TV. Commercials are just as bad, if not worse, than the shows themselves.

 

If I didn't live in an area with a lot of storms, I would never, ever pay for cable.

 

We do have Netflix and are fairly strict with that. I also will watch more mature movies with my 8 y/o, with discussions if needed. The other day we snuggled up and watched Sweet Home Alabama.

 

I miss the days of Full House, Step by Step, Growing Pains, etc. Sigh.....

 

I was thrilled to see Family Ties come on Netflix, I remembered it fondly. And then, in the 2nd or 3rd episode, they had Alex having s*x with a girl he delivered groceries to!!!!! We have Full House on dvd. ;)

[DawnM]

Do you pay for the Tivo?

 

I looked into Tivo as I really miss our DVRs, but it was $20 per Tivo per month. The lifetime is $700 (including the Tivo).

 

We have opted to just have Roku boxes and Netflix and Hulu+

 

Dawn

 

I am in the never camp...we tivo ALL shows we watch, kids do not ever check live TV, we do not watch that much anyhow, but honestly the commercials are much worse than programming...we cancelled cable and LOVE paying just $20 a month for internet...

[DawnM]

WHAT?????

 

I do not remember that!

 

i was thrilled to see family ties come on netflix, i remembered it fondly. And then, in the 2nd or 3rd episode, they had alex having s*x with a girl he delivered groceries to!!!!! We have full house on dvd. ;)

[Jpoy85]

When i was younger, I wasnt restricted.

 

My children are still young, but if im lucky enough to claim the TV in the evening, they arent allowed to watch. Usually they arent interested in Biggest Loser, Greys Anatomy or anything else I watch. :D

[mom@shiloh]

When they move out I stop monitoring what they watch. :> My younger kids don't even know what 'prime time' is, which is just fine by me.

[sparrow]

I was thrilled to see Family Ties come on Netflix, I remembered it fondly. And then, in the 2nd or 3rd episode, they had Alex having s*x with a girl he delivered groceries to!!!!! We have Full House on dvd. ;)

 

WHAT?????

 

I do not remember that!

 

See, that's just it. I don't remember that either. We weren't tuned into that aspect of the show. I thought Alex P. Keaton was cute and that was as deeply as I was thinking. I think a lot of this stuff goes over their heads, like it did ours.

 

We watched the pilot episode of Ordinary Family a few weeks ago on Netflix. My husband and I had caught a later episode on TV and thought it might be something we could watch with the kids. We were a little surprised that the character focus for the teen daughter, in the pilot, was that she didn't want to "put out". Those scenes made me a little uncomfortable watching it with the kids and I have to wonder what my parents were doing while they were watching Three's Company with me :lol:.

[*********]

See, that's just it. I don't remember that either. We weren't tuned into that aspect of the show. I thought Alex P. Keaton was cute and that was as deeply as I was thinking. I think a lot of this stuff goes over their heads, like it did ours.

 

We watched the pilot episode of Ordinary Family a few weeks ago on Netflix. My husband and I had caught a later episode on TV and thought it might be something we could watch with the kids. We were a little surprised that the character focus for the teen daughter, in the pilot, was that she didn't want to "put out". Those scenes made me a little uncomfortable watching it with the kids and I have to wonder what my parents were doing while they were watching Three's Company with me :lol:.

 

That is TOO funny!

 

My parents used to let my sisters and I watch Three's Company when we were kids, every night before bed!

 

The next time I see them, I'm going to have to ask them WHAT they were thinking, lol.

[LeslieAnneLevine]

I was thrilled to see Family Ties come on Netflix, I remembered it fondly. And then, in the 2nd or 3rd episode, they had Alex having s*x with a girl he delivered groceries to!!!!! We have Full House on dvd. ;)

 

There's some questionable stuff on Full House too. My son just watched the first two seasons on DVD and we plan to borrow the other seasons from the library, but it's not squeaky-clean. For example, Jesse mentioned that he had a date with a dancer and Joey said "another exotic dancer"? Jesse assured him she was a ballerina and then said "OK, a topless ballerina". I know there were a few other cringe-worthy things, but so much more that was enjoyable and sweet to make up for it.

[Bee Happy]

Woah. Have you watched what comes on tv? My kids do NOT have the freedom to watch primetime TV.

 

Most shows aren't for kids. Honestly, they pretty much know nothing about what comes on regular tv. The only primetime show they watched was Lost and I DVRed it and skipped a lot of sections. LOL

 

I will likely loosen up on my oldest when she is about 16. :001_smile: