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Many parents are almost afraid to admit they let their kids watch television. And some families have gotten rid of the TV all together! Yet, there are many fine, entertaining and even educational programs on television. Here are some tips on finding the right TV balance for your family.
HOW MUCH TV?
Judging how much television is best for your family requires a look at your family. For some families, a TV limit - like one hour a day - is set and enforced rigidly. For other families, TV watching is unlimited, as long as program choice is educational or family-oriented. The best answer for your family may be something else entirely.
Look at television in the context of everything else your family does. Look particularly at your children's lives. Television is a non-physical activity. How much time is your children investing in nonphysical activities: classroom time, reading time, computer time and television time. Does this make up the bulk of your child's day? If so, you may want to omit TV time, and some other nonphysical activities and encourage active family time daily. Taking a walk with your child may easily be valued far more highly than an afternoon of cartoons or an evening of computer games. Television could be relegated to weekend mornings before more active pursuits.
For active kids, on the other hand, television may be a way of relaxing - calming down from all the frenzied activity of the day. For that child, an hour or even more of television may offer the kind of relaxation needed to ensure a good night's sleep. The choice of programs, though, should be monitored closely - some shows are definitely not conducive to sweet sleep!
WHICH SHOWS?
All television is not created equal. Take the time to watch an episode or two of any shows that your child watches. Some programs may look good on the surface but turn out to be not something you want for your child. For example, there are many cartoons on in the evenings (or earlier in syndication hours) that are really designed for older teens and adults. Some cartoons contain things - sexual themes, crude language and violence - that you do not want your child exposed to. Don't assume a program is acceptable just because "all the other kids watch it."
All educational television is not created equal either. Some programs are designed for children and are meant to be educational but are still not the best choice for your child. Again, the best determiner is to watch a show with your child. Remember that children, especially small children, are great imitators. Ask yourself if you really would like your child to imitate the characters on the screen. But remember, some things are simply a matter of taste -- a program that seems a little stupid to you, may be warm and wonderful to your toddler.
VIOLENCE?
Studies of televised violence and children have had mixed results. We cannot be certain of the long-term effects of violent media and children, but certainly it is logical to assume that a diet of televised mayhem is not good for children. And we do know that children enjoy emulating characters on television. Ask yourself if you want to spend time apologizing to another child's mother when your little darling "lays the smack down" on her little darling. Also, how comfortable are you when you see your sweet cherub fashioning a pretend UZI from a paper towel tube and mowing down his stuffed animals? Some children are naturally more aggressive than others, but when we are teaching our children to channel that aggression; we must be sure that our lessons are clearer than the lessons of afternoon anime.
The key to successful television choice is parental involvement. No one else is better able to choose for your family than you are. Keep current with what shows your child is watching. Be aware of how much time is spent in front of the television and be prepared to step in and switch off, when you sense your child needs to be involved in more active pursuits. If you choose to allow your child to watch controversial television shows, be certain to be there to answer questions and discuss themes and behaviors on the show. Television can add to your child's life, but it will never replace you.
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