A lot of parents, including me, I admit, resort to TV when it comes to getting an activity for the kids. And even when I'm promoting my site and trying to sell movies, DVDs, and even video games, I do not believe in TVs.
Yes, a little TV time is okay, especially in dire circumstances. An example I can give here is when I really need to go to the washroom (my kids follow me everywhere, even there !!), I just have them watch TV while waiting for me. Or when I need to do my cooking (which I try to do in only 30 minutes since that's how long I let them watch at a time).
And when you do let your kids watch TV, do pay attention to what they're watching. A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics states that changing what your children watch can affect their behavior. So even if you might feel sorry for your kids for not letting them watch 'Power Ranger', stick to it. Have them watch other shows like 'George Shrinks' or 'Franklin' or other shows without violence.
That's why I like DVDs more than cable TV. You can control what, when and how much your kids watch. In addition, there's no add. When we had cable, my kids always wanted to see what's next because they're not sure if they've watched that episode or not. And the program runs all the time... !!! Just too many temptation for the kids.
We all know that too much TV is bad. It is linked to child obesity and aggressiveness, to name just a few. Not to mention the fact that children nowadays think violence is funny and awesome because they watch it on TV (take 'Tom and Jerry' and 'Power Ranger' as examples).
So play with your kids, take them to the playground or the library, make craft, encourage role play, and just be with them. It is hard work but in the long run, they'll know how to entertain themselves instead of relying on the TV to entertain them. I know that works for me. My children know how to play and entertain themselves. I admit, though, whenever I slip and let them watch TV for too long and then I stop letting them watch TV, they'll go "I'm bored.... what am I supposed to do now ?" It's like watching too much TV just stop their imagination and creativity.
It's hard, but it's worth it. Unplug that TV if necessary.
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