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Too Much TV?
Setting Limits on Television Viewing
By Elizabeth Palmer
, shares her expertise. "Watching television or videos is a treat, not a right," she says. Minow states in her book that such activity should come "only after homework, chores, other kinds of play and family time."
Patricia Claessen of Clarence Creek, Ontario tries to adopt this theory, but as she says, "they take advantage of my inconsistency anytime they can get away with it. when I follow my game plan, they definitely watch less TV."
Positive Effects
Many parents don't feel their children's viewing habits are harmful. Lisa Sanders of Manassas, Va. ensures the shows her children watch are appropriate for their ages. "My son, (almost 2) can say his ABCs and count to 20. Sesame Street has certainly helped that. My daughter reads with Between the Lions. These shows have affected their behavior -- for the better." Not So Positive
Unfortunately, not all parents experience such glowing results from their child's television viewing habits. As children grow out of the preschool educational shows, many lean toward those that exhibit less positive role models, like the Simpson's. This is when parents run into problems, as Alyice Edrich of Corona, Calif. experienced when her children used to watch Power Rangers. "The kids thought they could go around beating everyone up," she says. What did Alyice do in this situation? "We no longer let them watch it." What Can Parents Do?
No parent wants her child wasting away in front of the television. The alternative for Janie West of Brookhaven, Miss. is "liberal use of the off button" and providing other activities for relaxation. You don't have to eliminate television completely, but at least set limits. Remember Nell Minow's words: "Watching television or videos is a treat, not a right."