The Pros of Children’s Television
By Terri O’Neale
I admit it my two year old daughter knows the names of all the characters on Playhouse Disney. She absolutely positively has her first crush…on Winnie the Pooh. Do I sometimes feel like a bad mother for allowing her to watch more than the recommended one hour of television for a child her age? Sometimes…but not for long.
Why you ask? Because first of all, her telly is supervised. She never watches anything unless I am in the room or nearby. I know what is going into her little mind. Secondly, I believe that watching quality shows is teaching her in a fun manner. The Little Einsteins expose her to classical music and art. Mickey’s Clubhouse teaches her reasoning skills. Bear in the Big Blue House teaches her to get along with others. And most importantly, I re-enforce all those lessons by talking to her about what she sees. We discuss ways that she and I can copy those lessons and use them in our everyday life. It is funny to watch her help her daddy with a DIY project on the weekend and hear her call a screw driver Turner or Philippe…from Handy Manny.
As I sit here now writing this article, I have one eye on my daughter, who is playing with the large screws from the safety gates. Could that be because she is trying to emulate Manny and his tools? It is called active watching. Rarely will my daughter sit staring at the TV screen…only when she is very tired. It is something that she glances at as she plays.
Yet for a stay-at-home parent trying to balance the demands of caring for a child with the time necessary to build a new business, quality children’s television can be a real life saver. It offers my daughter mental stimulation and lessons when I am at the computer or on the phone. Of course, as I said it is important to monitor what they watch…and to use your discretion. I do not allow her to watch anything that is violent…even in cartoons. But if used wisely, quality children’s television can provide parents with a break and children with important lessons.
Terri is the mother of six ranging in age from 2 to 22 years old. Her parenting motto is: I don’t raise children. I raise independent, functioning adult members of society. Whether she was a stay-at-home or a full-time fundraiser, her role of mother is always central to everything she does.
Terri is also a doula & childbirth educator specialising in high-risk, caesarean & VBAC births.
To sign up for her monthly e-newsletter featuring articles on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting, visit her website Special Start Birth.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terri_O’Neale
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Pros-of-Childrens-Television&id=1681434
Add A Comment