About a year ago, we made the decision to cut the cable cord, and it has been surprisingly beneficial in ways we hadn’t anticipated. The need for traditional cable dwindled for us, especially with our Roku streaming device providing seamless access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, and Amazon Prime. We also enjoy our HD antenna, which keeps us tuned into live events and shows, making cable feel superfluous. My favorite sports teams aren’t even local, so I typically watch games at a bar anyway, and my partner has always been against baseball, which eliminated that concern entirely.
Initially, we thought we might miss having a DVR, but with everything available for streaming, we found it unnecessary. Once we ditched the clunky and overpriced services from our former cable provider, we started saving money—even after factoring in our various subscriptions. But there’s more: we discovered an unexpected advantage of going cable-free.
Remember those Saturday mornings from childhood spent glued to cartoons while pestering your parents for all the toys advertised? Nowadays, with cable out of the picture, my kids are blissfully unaware of those relentless commercials. Instead of learning about toys through ads, they discover them organically during playdates or at places like Target.
In all honesty, I know my son still encounters toy promotions through other avenues—social media, peer conversations, etc. But it’s refreshing not to worry about him being bombarded by ads for gimmicky toys during his favorite shows. Think back to your own childhood: how often did you beg your parents for something ridiculous just because you saw it on TV? I distinctly remember wanting a remote-control truck called “The Claw,” which promised thrilling adventures but ended up being a total letdown. I attribute my disappointment to advertising.
Streaming has made a significant difference; most of what we watch is ad-free. When we do visit family and commercials interrupt a show, my son is momentarily thrown off, instantly wanting whatever flashy toy he just saw. I promptly remind him that he doesn’t need that nonsense, and the whole situation becomes a bit of a humorous family moment.
Without cable, there’s certainly a reduction in the yelling over unwanted toy requests. Not to mention, my son’s exposure to shoddy toys has diminished significantly. This not only saves us money from our cable bill but also reduces the likelihood of impulsive purchases for toys that will soon be forgotten.
If only my parents had refrained from buying me “The Claw,” perhaps I wouldn’t still be wishing for it today.
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In summary, cutting the cable has not only resulted in financial savings but also lessened the exposure of my children to the relentless barrage of toy advertising. By opting for streaming, we enjoy a more peaceful viewing experience while avoiding unnecessary purchases.