I'm really dreading this election year...
Mom keeps saying she is going to stop watching the news, because it causes her to worry so much, but the next thing I hear is the news. She has it on most of the day. She fights depression and it only makes her more depressed and have a bad attitude towards everything. If I go in sit in the same room with her she will let me change the channel, but she continues to talk about how bad everything is. Even though I live here and am her full-time care giver I can't sit and watch TV all day. Does anyone else have this issue?
I bought him some adult coloring books, since he used to be very good at painting and drawing when he was younger. I hope it works.
Does she like animals? Switch to Animal Planet, especially the shows with cute little puppies and kittens.
Does she like cooking? Try a cooking channel, especially if you can find one with an attractive male that might pique her interest to watch the show again.
Drama? Mystery? Try PBS Masterpiece Theatre when it runs Miss Marple
I change the channel, but somehow she gets it back to CNN.
She needs to have something to fret about.
I've got a horrible feeling that Donald Trump could actually win. Since I can't vote I'm begging all you Americans please don't let that happen. You think its depressing now, can you imagine how depressing the news would be if he won.
Have you tried NEWSY? A whole other reality, with animals, inaccurate reporting- like a different reality.
Or get the news from another country-the BBC, RUSSIA- another take on U.S. life is helpful !
The real issue is how to divert Mom's attention. Could she possibly go to an adult day program one or two days a week? Does she belong to a religious community that might have something she could do on a regular basis -- maybe folding programs, or polishing metal vases, etc.? Does the local senior center have an activity she might like? Could you bring her twice a week for the book discussions, or bunco or some other game? In other words, can you find something for her to do regularly OUTSIDE the house? Totally away from televisions?
Others have suggested some good alternatives on television, and some other in-house activities that don't involve television at all.
I think the hard part is getting her to go along with these distractions/diversions. I think it is worth the effort!
Good luck to you.
Go outside.
I just want to cry with some of the crazy stuff she comes up with
No worries Canada, because Germany has already invited U.S. citizens fleeing to other countries.
Jeanne, instead of an orderly process of immigration into Canada by buildinv a wall, why not keep them out? (I get to say this as a U.S. citizen.)
BTW, did you hear Gershun-we are adopting you into our family, ok?
Get Mom to watch the BUZZR channel which has the old game shows like "What's My Line"... "To Tell the Truth"... "Lets Make a Deal" with Monty Hall... "Super Password"... etc.
Thank-you Send for the adoption idea.........but I think I'll stay here and you all can come visit. :)
No one, especially me, meant to hijack your question with humor and silliness.
We just couldn't help ourself.
Sounds so beautiful!
Hide the remote.
This is the real advice, right here:
Put a child-filter, or child-block on the t.v., and block out the news. If you have cable, call thd cable-guy.
Oh God it's just come back to me - there was also a report on a plan in Arizona (I'm surprised Arizona didn't sue) to preserve and animate the corpses of murder victims so that they could robotically take part in the execution of their murderers.
It wasn't necessarily in the best possible taste.
Speaking of which, I gather Mr Trump has been endorsed by Ms Palin? Well isn't that nice. He must be very pleased.
The Price is Rght and Lets Make a deal are still running. There is even a Game Show Network, or try the Animal Channel, or National Geographic channel.
The Golden Girls is always on reruns and TNT has great old movies.
There are plenty of choices, the news watching is a habit she has fallen into.