the tellie!

I have lots of opinions, especially about raising children. And mostly because I can remember all the things I did with my children that I wish I'd done differently. No surprise I made it my career, telling parents what I think works and doesn't work about childrearing. However, of late, there is actually science/research to back up much of what I like to preach about.

Of course, every family is different so there's no "one size fits all" parenting manual. And I have such a love/hate relationship with the television, it's taken me a long time to figure good guidelines for using it. If you can get by without one, altogether, that's the best solution. If not, here are the basics from this viewpoint:

1) NO television time before 2 years old. NONE. It interferes with a child's brain development and some very early learning basics. Some even say it can exacerbate attention deficit disorder. Until children reach about 2, they are incapable of distinguishing reality from fantasy or "pretend", which is why TV isn't a good thing under 2.

2) Limited screen time around 2 years old and absolutely age appropriate. PBS is really the only early TV I would expose children to....Disney is not really appropriate for that age and it sets up lots of "gimme" attitude. Disney is very interested in selling toys and stuff, most of which are very cheaply made, with little or no educational value. Sorry guys, just take a very good look. A set of wooden blocks, made in America is much more educational than one of those noisy, silly, plastic, multi-colored events that they peddle. (not just Disney, but all the big toy manufacturers).

3) All through childhood, up to about age 12, do all you can to limit screen time and to monitor what the children are watching. Find interesting shows you can watch as a family and have discussions around them.

4) NO personal tv's in children's bedrooms. A communal television is easier to control. This goes for computers, too, when the kids are old enough to use them for homework. These sorts of appliances can be very divisive for families, as they are activities that can be done alone for long periods of time. Children need interaction with their parents and other family members for healthy development.

I started this blog tonight because I found myself in front of the tv instead of reading a book. I've been reading all weekend in between activities with friends and family and wanted a change. Nothing interesting to watch except Jon and Kate plus eight, a very sweet show about a couple who have 8 children, 2 sets of multiples! They are so much fun to watch, the children are adorable and the parents are very authentic in their approach to their family life.........

Gotta go, they're on with a new episode......

Cheryl