Momversation: Is Television Harming My Kids?

From the Community…

• 
  Posted by leimwah Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:53am PST

  in a way yes. but my kids love cartoons so much. and they also watch informative shows especially about animals. and i like cartoons too so we watched together..

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Stephanie Mon Dec 15, 2008 6:28am PST

  I always got one show (thirty minute one) on weekdays and a movie on the weekend. We got to watch TV, but we were also encouraged to play outside and stay active. Kind of a best of both worlds situation!

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Graphix Grrl Mon Dec 15, 2008 7:14am PST

  As long has your child continues to play away from the tv also, then I think tv is okay. It really depends on the types of programs you let your child watch. A lot of my daughter's favorite shows are educational cartoons, so I don't see a problem with letting her watch those.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Kelly O Mon Dec 15, 2008 9:55am PST

  My son watches way too much t.v. He has no imagination whatsoever and I blame t.v. I try to get him to play outside or with friends but he veiws it as punishment. If anyone has ideas how to make him want to do something other that watch t.v. without him thinking he's in trouble I would love the advice.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Rose Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:17am PST

  I let my kids watch tv but I control the channels. They can only watch PBS, Disney and Nick.

  They go to school during the day and we do homework when they get home. After that, they can watch tv. I'll watch Spongebob with them.

  I usually monitor their play time. They'll re-enact episodes of Spongebob or other shows. It's kind of fun watching them. It beats them mimicking me and my husband. Before they were playing house, now they play "I am a Robot" or whatever. My daughters love High school Musical and can sing and do the dances. I never knew they were so gifted! They can pretty much watch the scenes at least three times and then, mimic it to a T.

  There are many days that the TV is off and they'll play in the playroom. It's fine with me. I don't turn the tv on. I let them ask to have it on. Most days, they don't ask.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Beth Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:55pm PST

  I had the cable disconneted this summer and made my kids go outside and play!! Wow!! We were always outside when I was a kid!! If we stayed inside my Mom would have stuff for us to do... I told her I was bored once and she pulled every dish out of the cupboard and made me wash them! Ouch! I never told her I was bored every again!!

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Angela Mon Dec 15, 2008 4:03pm PST

  too much of a good thing can be bad. TV is a form of ENTERTAINMENT, what's wrong with letting your kid watch Elmo, Blue, Barney, they are actually very educational. Just don't over do it, and as long as it doesn't replace other activities as well. Enjoy!

  Report Abuse