TELEVISION. It is probably on in your house all the time; while you get your children ready for school, after they get home from school, while you prepare dinner, before you go to bed.

        Have you thought about the activities and ideas you are letting in your home through the television? Have you thought about how this medium could be hurting your children?

        Here are the tips every parent should do now in order for TV viewing of children to be meaningful one.

1. Set limits. Limit your child’s use of TV, movies and videos and computer  games to no more than one or two hours per day. Do not let your child watch TV while doing homework.
2. Plan your child’s viewing. Instead of flipping through channels, use a program guide and the TV ratings to help you and your child choose shows. Turn the TV on to watch the program you choose and turn it off when the program is over.
3. Watch TV with your child whenever possible. Explain that characters on TV are make-believe and not real. Some “reality based” programs may appear to be “real” but most of these shows show content that is not appropriate for children.
4. Find the right message. Talk with your child about the real life roles of women, senior citizens, and people of other races that may not be shown on television. Help your child learn tolerance and respect for others.
5. Help your child resist commercials. Do not expect your child to be able to resist advertisements for toys, candies, snacks, cereals, drinks, or new TV programs without your help. When your child asks for products advertised on TV, explain that the purpose of commercials are to make people want things they may not need.
6. Look for quality children’s videos. There are many quality videos available for children that you can buy or rent.
7. Give other options. Watching TV can become a habit for your children. Help your children find other things to do with their time, such as playing and reading; participating in activities with family, friends, or neighbors; learning a hobby, sport, instrument or an art.
8. Set a good example.

 

Reference:

Delina D. Pryce, American Academy of  Pediatrics, Washington D.C.

By: Emmanda C. Cruz | Teacher II | Carbon Elementary School | Limay, Bataan