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 http://www.goaskmom.com/
green cleaning service Glencoe ..As thinking, acting human beings we have the ability to... Read More
Although many children are picky eaters at some stage in... Read More
Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More
Sitterphobe "I never have a second to myself," this mother... Read More
In stepfamilies, big holiday expectations can lead to big disappointment--and... Read More
Bedtime and children's sleep habits can cause nightmares - for... Read More
Puberty can be a difficult time for children. Not quite... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
Would you hand a child calculus problems once she was... Read More
Joey steps away from his time out chair "I won't... Read More
Do you want to create a deeper, more loving relationship... Read More
I'm sure many of you have heard that old Hallmark... Read More
How many times have you flipped through the pages of... Read More
The Theme from MASHI flipped the button on the remote... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
Like anything else in life, there's a method to the... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
Children and teenagers are relentlessly bombarded with merchandise that entices.... Read More
Finding answers to a child's underachievement is often a difficult... Read More
Child tantrums are a way for children to express their... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
If I had a dollar for every time I persuaded... Read More
"I wipe my baby's chin with my college diploma and... Read More
Despite the theory that people have kids because they want... Read More
house cleaning company Bannockburn ..You've just received a call from your child's teacher. As... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is... Read More
One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture... Read More
There are a lot of sophisticated parenting theories and techniques... Read More
Angie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept... Read More
If you are a parent, then more than likely you... Read More
In 1996-97 we were contracted by VAXA International of Tampa,... Read More
Much has been said about the "gifted child" but in... Read More
Many working families choose a commercial or individual day care... Read More
Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with... Read More
1. They are leaders as well as parents. They don't... Read More
If your child is to derive the benefits of physical... Read More
Elana, born in Russia, was told "We really don't know... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
Suppose that you rearrange your life to homeschool your child... Read More
The girl's jaw dropped in horror as the police officer... Read More
If you are currently homeschooling or considering homeschooling your child,... Read More
In the first premise, some films and video tapes which... Read More
Studies have shown that:1 out of 4 children were sent... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
My son is 6 yrs old. He came home the... Read More
Attention all parents of teen-agers. Here is an important, groundbreaking... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Parenting |