TELEVISION IS STEALING OUR CHILDREN
10 WAYS TO BEAT IT
1.Join 'em!-- That's
right -- you can't complain 'til you've seen it! Sit down and watch
an episode of the shows that your kids like; you'll see what they see.
Editorialize about what you see -- gently. "Hm, do you think that's
what they should have done?" Especially with commercials -- point
out how the advertiser tries to "hook" the kids. "Do you think that
doll can really fly?" Show your children the advertisers' tricks.
2.Steer 'em toward the
good -- There is actually a lot of great television out there,
if you just look. (Check out public television!) Encourage your family
to watch new shows that stress cooperation and friendship. Talk about
what they watch, and applaud when something good is portrayed.
3. Point out the influences
-- One of the most maddening affects of television is when our lil' darlin's
start behaving like brats on television. So -- tell 'em so!
If the behavior persists, don't let them watch that show until the behavior
stops. Explain that the world out there runs on rules different from
your family's -- and you will reduce its influence if it's detrimental
to your child. Then guide them in healthy behavior and relationships.
4.Point out the "addiction"
-- Television, like any good habit, reinforces itself. Ahhh, settling
in with a high-fat, high-sugar snack, ready for another episode of the
favorite cartoon…and getting lost for the next few hours. After an
hour or two, explain that your child could have played two games of hopscotch
or read four chapters in their favorite book…
5. Be Brave -- Cut
Back! -- Determine, as a family, what the amount of television
should be. 1 hour a day? 4 hours on the weekend? Then
apply the limit. It will at least force your children to choose between
shows, and make them aware of their viewing habits (and how much time they
let slip away!)
6.Be Braver - Cut 'Em Off!--
Next time you’re at your wits’ end, threaten to cut off television altogether
– and then do it! For one week, or one month, or six, there is no
TV. Watch how they’ll pick up their toys again, go play outside,
and engage each other. Point out the change to them; maybe they'll
notice how much fun they've been having without the box on!
7.Jump-start their Imaginations!--
Bake bread; sprout an avocado seed and grow a tree; grow a garden…anything
will give your kids a link to the “real” world. Let them into your
world – explain while you pay bills – they’ll understand how the world
works. Take them grocery shopping with you, and plan meals together
– anything you do will seem fascinating to them. Let them know what
you do – and why. They’ll start to engage with the world outside
in a whole new way.
8.Books Can Save You!--
and skates, and cookbooks, and tennis rackets -- in short, anything you
do with your child is better for them than sitting in front of the television.
If you're busy, encourage activities that promote cooperation and creativity
-- building blocks, arts and crafts, ball games, etc. (PS: You start
first. If your kids always see you in front of the tv -- why should
they do differently?)
9.Lay down the law
-- Make a deal with your kids -- you'll buy them what they need (except
for holidays and birthdays, of course!); they can buy what they want from
their allowance. Mention offhand that television advertisers create fads,
and you hope they will truly like what they’re spending their money on.
We want them to become wise consumers; anyone remember Pokemon cards?
10.Ban the Monster from your kids’
rooms!– Don’t let the corporations follow your children into their
sanctuary. If you send your kids to their room and the television
is there, they’ll just plug in. If they’re in their room, you don’t
know what they’re seeing…especially after hours. Pull the box out,
and give your kids a break from the barrage.
