Parent participation and involvement can ensure that children have a positive experience with television. The following strategies can help achieve that goal:
View Programs with Your Children
Most of us have moments when we end up using television or a video as a babysitter, but if you can, make it an activity the two of you can enjoy together. If needed, bring a basket of laundry to fold or some other task into the room so you can work and watch.
Talk with your children about what they are seeing as you watch shows with them. Identify positive behavior, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. While watching, make connections to history, books, places of interest, and personal events. Express your personal and family values as they relate to the show. Converse about the realistic consequences of violence.
Select Developmentally Appropriate Shows
Choose slower-paced, calm programs to view as these give your toddler time to think about what they are watching and absorb the information. Quickly changing images and lots of action will only confuse them or make their eyes glaze over.
Research suggests that children who watch violence on TV are more likely to act aggressive. Avoid scary shows, too. Try to choose simple programs that emphasize interactivity. The best programs are those that inspire your child to make sounds, say words, sing and dance.
Place Limits on the Amount of Television Viewing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that older kids not watch more than 1-2 hours of TV or video per day, and that kids under age 2 not watch any television. And of course, TV should never be a substitute for activities like playing, exercising, or reading.
Use Closed Captioning
Did you know that close caption television increases children's reading ability and comprehension? Research on using captions for instruction has shown that using text captions with audio and video helps student motivation, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The results also showed that the students learned more with the captions; furthermore when the pace was slow, they retained more information two weeks later. The authors of the study concluded that students actually learn more from captioned video than from print material on the same topic. It clearly demonstrates the academic benefits of captioning. Using text captions with video and audio aids and reinforces language learning.
Turn Off the TV During Family Meals and Homework
Establish rules for when the television will be off. Homework time is for learning, not for sitting in front of the TV while trying to study. Meal times are for family members to talk with each other.
Watch Programs, Not Television
Instead of sitting down to watch whatever happens to be on TV, be selective about the program your toddler is going to watch, and turn off the set when the show is over. If possible, record programs ahead of time so your child can watch what you want, when you want.
For television program suggestions, talk to our staff at Precious Treasures...we're here to help!
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