We don't allow our young children to watch shows that are violent or extremely negative. We make informed decisions regarding the media's role in our children's lives.
I’m the type who’s pretty careful about what my children watch. Children are learning all the time, and I only want my children to watch high quality programs. I’m shocked by the language and violence that is found on some shows for children and will not allow my young children to be exposed to such things on tv or the internet.
I make sure my son’s “media diet” is healthy and junk-free by keeping a close eye on what he views on television and what sites he visits on the internet. I feel comfortable with most PBS shows and allow him to explore pbskids.org whenever he chooses to do so. He has a special folder on the computer with shortcuts to several approved sites, and of course, he also has software that’s approved and safe to use. He has a blast and learns plenty without being exposed to negative television shows and online games.
They grow up so fast. I see no reason for him to see rude behavior or violence at the tender age of 4, especially with all the research that says children are indeed affected by television. The same is true for movies, so I visit Movie Mom's website before heading off to the theater to see the latest children's flick. Her reviews are detailed, giving parents the inside scoop so they'll know whether or not it's a movie they want their children to see.
What’s funny is that my son is already learning to self-regulate and can even identify “bad” programs. He woke up before us one Saturday morning and came downstairs to watch TV. When I joined him, he explained that one show he had seen was bad and “scary” and that he had turned the channel. I loved that he was able to identify a show with negative messages without me right beside him.
My latest article features several websites that help parents make informed decisions about what their children watch on television and view on the internet as well as recommendations from the American Association of Pediatrics. I hope you'll take a moment to check it out!
