My grandma put a small TV in the kitchen. When we visited her, we thought it was a good idea. When we tried it, we thought it turned out to be a bad idea for us.
My wife and I, with our kids, made a rule that our dinner table was a criticism-free zone. All topics of discussion were okay, but nobody got scolded or criticized. We had all four at the table about 90% of the time until they left for college. Wish my parents had set the same rule.
The only time the TV is ever on at dinner time is when a playoff sporting event is on, either baseball or hockey, otherwise it’s never on. We’re big on those.
When Kennedy was shot the Sunday morning after we came home from church. The tv was on in the living room like everyone in the world. They were moving Oswald in the Dallas jail . We sat down to dinner in the kitchen when the tv started screaming . Oswald had been shot on live tv.
Does it bother anyone that Calvin begins by saying he wants to watch “his show” but then betrays his argument by saying we could argue about which channel we will watch. He seems addicted to the screen and not the content.
BE THIS GUY about 4 years ago
Interesting that Calvin equates interacting with arguing.
SHIVA about 4 years ago
He doesn’t hear you Dad, and probably never will!!
frequency270 about 4 years ago
I feel I had this very same conversation with my parents. Sorry, folks.
codycab about 4 years ago
Why can’t parents just take a hint?
nosirrom about 4 years ago
1990, and they don’t have a VCR?
Captain Charlie about 4 years ago
Gee, there was a time where you could miss an episode of a show? A time before recording and all-access streaming services?
rshive about 4 years ago
That’s why TV dinners were invented. And those trays on stands that you could fold up.
Bilan about 4 years ago
Even when I was a kid, we watched TV during dinner.
Charles Barr Premium Member about 4 years ago
What’s a channel?
jmworacle about 4 years ago
Alright Calvin, we’ll compromise. You didn’t have to finish your dinner. But you aren’t going to watch TV go to your room…….
jpayne4040 about 4 years ago
You mean the way you’re all interacting now?
ACK! Premium Member about 4 years ago
How does he have a favorite TV show on at dinnertime unless they’re not usually eating at that time?
Jogger2 about 4 years ago
My grandma put a small TV in the kitchen. When we visited her, we thought it was a good idea. When we tried it, we thought it turned out to be a bad idea for us.
Otis Rufus Driftwood about 4 years ago
Watterson is making good points. Parents, including Calvin’s, should work on imparting the importance of what the father says in third panel more.
Whatcouldgowrong about 4 years ago
My wife and I, with our kids, made a rule that our dinner table was a criticism-free zone. All topics of discussion were okay, but nobody got scolded or criticized. We had all four at the table about 90% of the time until they left for college. Wish my parents had set the same rule.
Red33410 about 4 years ago
…shortly will kick in.
A Hip loving Canadian... about 4 years ago
The only time the TV is ever on at dinner time is when a playoff sporting event is on, either baseball or hockey, otherwise it’s never on. We’re big on those.
j.l.farmer about 4 years ago
Calvin is wasting so much time arguing that if he just ate his food he would be done sooner and then he could go watch his show.
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member about 4 years ago
So it appears that lessons are being taught, if not learned, right now. TV isn’t as important as family, unless the game is on, of course.
JoanHelen about 4 years ago
It seems to me that mother is silently agreeing with Calvin. Take a look at her expression in the final panel.
ForrestOverin about 4 years ago
“Perhaps I haven’t made myself clear, mom and dad— I can’t STAND you guys!”
Norris66 about 4 years ago
Calvin dinner is the one time, that we set aside to be together and talk. Calvin don’t talk with food in your mouth.
LelandOtoole about 4 years ago
When Kennedy was shot the Sunday morning after we came home from church. The tv was on in the living room like everyone in the world. They were moving Oswald in the Dallas jail . We sat down to dinner in the kitchen when the tv started screaming . Oswald had been shot on live tv.
DavidC1 about 4 years ago
My parents always used the “no dessert” ploy. It worked every time. That’s why I’m so fat today.
Squoop about 4 years ago
Now he will always view “family time” as being an unwanted chore.
jrankin1959 about 4 years ago
The TV’s small enough, Dad – go unplug it and lock it away…
WCraft Premium Member about 4 years ago
We had the same rule when I was a child. Now I get it.
FrannieL Premium Member about 4 years ago
In the ‘old days’, children were fed early, bathed and put to bed. Parents ate later and leisurely. What happened to change all that, I wonder.
KylahSmith-Jones about 4 years ago
I like Calvin & Hobbes!! They are fun to read.
Ken Otwell about 4 years ago
Oh, ok – we’ll sit hear and argue about why I can’t watch TV. That’s a good family activity…
anomaly about 4 years ago
I’m surprised Dad wants more interaction with Calvin.
yangeldf about 4 years ago
this still applies, but substitute TV for phones at the table
alexius23 about 4 years ago
Ah, prehistoric times before DVR
Troglodyte about 4 years ago
Calvin seems to be channelling his inner couch potato.
kathleenhicks62 about 4 years ago
An argument for everything….Just sayin’
Ka`ōnōhi`ula`okahōkūmiomio`ehiku Premium Member about 4 years ago
All the best shows are on at dinner time.
WormDoc about 4 years ago
Does it bother anyone that Calvin begins by saying he wants to watch “his show” but then betrays his argument by saying we could argue about which channel we will watch. He seems addicted to the screen and not the content.
Laurie Stoker Premium Member about 4 years ago
Calvin makes a legitimate point here.
fix-n-fly about 4 years ago
You can’t always get what you want…. (Rolling Stones)
BIG NATE CALVIN AND HOBBES about 4 years ago
SO TRUE when i am bored i do the same thing
JMG316 about 4 years ago
This is so my Dad!!!!
jamessveta about 4 years ago
How about grounded from TV for a couple of weeks.
hagarthehorrible about 4 years ago
The kid has a valid point. Kids always find a reason to binge watch tv or the smartphones these days.