I've often thought that in 6 million years, archaeologists will marvel at the devotion the 21st century Earthlings had to their household gods. Excavation will show these deities in virtually every home, obviously objects of devotion, the focal point in a room. The gods were believed without question. Families emulated them, discussed them, and scheduled their lives around them. The parent was secondary in influence to the various versions of these boxes with a glass screen that captivated an entire civilization.
Despite the title of this article, I do not really think that we are all guilty of worshiping the god of the underworld. I am, however, quite turned off by the amount of affection and devotion we give to the unworthy television. Last week I was teaching a class of four year olds, and before the lesson began, one of the children informed me that she had to leave early so she could get home in time for American Idol. As a society, I'm afraid we truly have made television an idol ? and not just an American one. Studies disagree on how much we watch per week; studies agree that we watch too much.
My husband I refuse to give others remote control of our home, and have taken several steps to channel our boys away from the seductive and addictive influence of the television. We thank the major networks for loaning us their initials to broadcast our system to you:
CBS ? Cut the Box on Schooldays. Consider taking the extreme position of not allowing television on weekdays. This has earned us the title of 'most unreasonable parents in the school', but we wear it with pride. To soften our image, we allow television freedom on the weekends, after chores and homework.
MSNBC ? Make Summertime Nice. Bribe Children. During the nine weeks school is out, television time can be bought. For every minute spent on reading, we award time on the television or computer. We have an Excel spreadsheet that keeps up with time earned and spent. (If you're interested, email me and I'll send you a copy.)
FOX ? Filter Out X#$&%. What children watch is often worthless, at best. At its worst, television undermines everything we teach as it spews foul language, violence, casual attitudes about sex, and disrespect for authority. Our family uses TV Guardian to help with the language. The other negative elements are impossible to remove, which is why the television has an 'off' button.
NBC ? Note Basic Content. Teach your kids to evaluate a program by its main premise. "Aladdin" is one of my favorite movies, but it quite frankly glorifies being a thief. Gentle "E. T." leaves the impression that adults aren't to be trusted, and that dishonesty is justified when its purposes are noble. After watching a show, ask, "What did that movie just say? Was it a positive message or a negative one? How did it try to influence you?"
CNN ? Cultivate Natural iNquisitiveness. Try to broaden your world so that your children are interested in more than cartoons and sit-coms. Make friends with those from other cultures. Discuss world events. Travel and visit museums to pique interest in topics explored on The Discovery and History Channels.
BET ? Be Exemplary Teachers. A student doesn't rise above the teacher. Set a good example to your children by developing good viewing habits. Participate in National TV Turnoff Week April 21 ? 27, and evaluate how addicted to the television you are.
About The Author
Kayla Fay is the publisher of Who Put the Ketchup in the Medicine Cabinet and the author of The Spy Party, a cool birthday idea. Kayla and her husband have four sons, and only one television. Visit Kayla at http://www.goaskmom.com/ or write her at mailto:goaskmom@goaskmom.com.
Few things are more completely enjoyable than becoming a grandparent.... Read More
For the most positive daycare experience for your child, partner... Read More
You can learn a lot from children.The best part of... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
If you are a parent, then more than likely you... Read More
To every thing there is a season, and a time... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
I have always found the notion of toilet training a... Read More
My name is Duncan and I'm 2 years old. I... Read More
While on a recent trip to the grocery store, I... Read More
You're trying to catch up on some sleep on a... Read More
Do you struggle to get your child to bed at... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
Most of the ADHD kids that are seen in a... Read More
Q: A parent writes in to ask, "You write a... Read More
Start some gardening traditions with your kids. Give them their... Read More
We know that ancient cultures and Indians and the like... Read More
Although many parents are concerned with our children's intelligence quotient... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
We are all so very happy to see that the... Read More
Although many parents become frustrated as they try to maintain... Read More
The cost of being a parent and raising a child... Read More
the woes of being a parent of an ADHD child.....Like... Read More
As a parent is seems that the majority of your... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
One of the most difficult parts of being a father... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
What is the mystery of motherhood? I know that when... Read More
When you talk about multiply your child's intelligence, you can't... Read More
Late vs. Too LateEvery now and then, I'll hear a... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More
Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More
For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
Kids today no longer live the kind of privileged lives... Read More
Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More
I really like all natural remedy for Attention Deficit Disorder... Read More
Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More
As a parent you will be asked to assist with... Read More
Hope, excitement and anxiety all wrapped up in fresh haircuts... Read More
Q. With the school year just beginning, what can we... Read More
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
The school holidays are a great time for the kids,... Read More
Suppose that you rearrange your life to homeschool your child... Read More
We are all aware of the child obesity epidemic that... Read More
At the ADHD Information Library we are big believers that... Read More
Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
'I felt great until I walked into the classroom -... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
Late vs. Too LateEvery now and then, I'll hear a... Read More
Is there a way to build a robot to help... Read More
Q. I don't like my children spending so much time... Read More
What should the goals for counseling be when the patient... Read More
Question 1 "How do I get more time to play?"... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
As a parent is seems that the majority of your... Read More
Memorizing math facts is a necessary part of elementary school.... Read More
I've often thought that in 6 million years, archaeologists will... Read More
I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More
Our back-to-school buying habits do not help kids succeed in... Read More
As thinking, acting human beings we have the ability to... Read More
Parenting |