Nowadays, television seems to be more popular than ever. Programs appear to be more hyped, advancements in technology make television viewing akin to going to the movies and busy schedules have many people feeling as if some time with the tube is a great way to relax.
The pediatrics recommends no more than two hours of quality programming per day for children. Yet, despite such recommendations, the children typically watch four hours of television per day. This includes children under the age of two, who the pediatrics suggests should not watch any television at all, for fear of stunting cognitive, social and emotional development.
Watching TV is far more damaging to kids than it is to adults for a number of reasons.
·Weight problems. Common sense tells you sitting on the couch won't benefit you physically and it hurts children even more. The children who spend four hours or more per day watching television are more likely to be overweight. Overweight children do not develop appropriate patterns of exercise, which will hurt them well into their adult years.
·What television teaches. Studies have shown that television has consistently reinforced gender roles and racial stereotypes. In spite of a parents' best efforts, subtle nuances between what parents teach their children and what the television is teaching them could be negatively influencing how they see the world.
·What kids might see. While adults have the ability to differentiate between reality and the fictional world of television, children might not always be able to do so. For example, studies have indicated that children who see violence on television are more likely to believe something bad will happen to them, despite the two being entirely unrelated.
·Weight problems. Common sense tells you sitting on the couch won't benefit you physically and it hurts children even more. The children who spend four hours or more per day watching television are more likely to be overweight. Overweight children do not develop appropriate patterns of exercise, which will hurt them well into their adult years.
·What television teaches. Studies have shown that television has consistently reinforced gender roles and racial stereotypes. In spite of a parents' best efforts, subtle nuances between what parents teach their children and what the television is teaching them could be negatively influencing how they see the world.
·What kids might see. While adults have the ability to differentiate between reality and the fictional world of television, children might not always be able to do so. For example, studies have indicated that children who see violence on television are more likely to believe something bad will happen to them, despite the two being entirely unrelated.
For parents, each of those potential consequences should understandably be cause for concern. Limiting television time is one solution some childcare professionals have suggested, while others suggest replacing typical programming with more educational programming. Where most advocates seem to agree concerns varying children's activities to include exercise and reading, among other things. While most children enjoy exercise, getting them to read can be a different story, meaning parents might have to come up with some creative ways to get their kids to embrace reading.
·Don't force it. As any parent knows, telling kids they have to do something often results in them not doing it. Such is the case with reading. Forcing a child to read can turn him off to reading forever. Try establishing a time each day when the television's turned off and everyone reads. Parents don't need to force reading during these times, but since children are greatly influenced by their parents' behavior, chances are they will also start reading.
·Buy kids magazines. Magazines geared toward children can be great ways to get them excited about reading. Unlike adult magazines, these magazines will feature stories written at reading levels more appropriate for children. In addition, most kids enjoy getting mail, so a subscription in their name will be something that excites them.
·Consider a reading allowance. Allowances aren't just for video games or ice cream cones. Along with their usual allowance, give kids an allowance for reading materials, be it books or magazines. Make sure they know such an allowance is intended solely for reading material, and bring them along each time you go to the bookstore. Again, since children often mimic their parents' behavior, if they see you buying a book, they'll be more inclined to buy one, too.
·Use your older kids. Perhaps the biggest influence on young children is their older brothers and sisters. If you have older children who enjoy reading, ask them to encourage younger siblings, simply by reading in front of them, suggesting books they read when they were younger or having them include the younger kids on trips to the library or bookstore.
·Don't force it. As any parent knows, telling kids they have to do something often results in them not doing it. Such is the case with reading. Forcing a child to read can turn him off to reading forever. Try establishing a time each day when the television's turned off and everyone reads. Parents don't need to force reading during these times, but since children are greatly influenced by their parents' behavior, chances are they will also start reading.
·Buy kids magazines. Magazines geared toward children can be great ways to get them excited about reading. Unlike adult magazines, these magazines will feature stories written at reading levels more appropriate for children. In addition, most kids enjoy getting mail, so a subscription in their name will be something that excites them.
·Consider a reading allowance. Allowances aren't just for video games or ice cream cones. Along with their usual allowance, give kids an allowance for reading materials, be it books or magazines. Make sure they know such an allowance is intended solely for reading material, and bring them along each time you go to the bookstore. Again, since children often mimic their parents' behavior, if they see you buying a book, they'll be more inclined to buy one, too.
·Use your older kids. Perhaps the biggest influence on young children is their older brothers and sisters. If you have older children who enjoy reading, ask them to encourage younger siblings, simply by reading in front of them, suggesting books they read when they were younger or having them include the younger kids on trips to the library or bookstore.
Encouraging kids to read can be a great way to promote their cognitive development.
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