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Turn TV Into a Positive Parenting Tool

By KATHY PEEL
Would you invite someone into your family room to demonstrate to your children how to harm another person? What about someone who promotes cheating, dishonesty, or stealing? I didn't think so.

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    If you don't monitor what your children watch on TV, you're doing just that. You're allowing people to be present in your home who will influence your kids in ways you don't want.

    There's a lot of bad stuff on television, but there's a lot of good programming, too. When viewed in moderation, with guidance from watchful parents, TV can be a useful learning tool for children. Here are nine ways to turn television into a positive influence in your home.
    1. Set a limit on how much TV kids can view. Educators suggest a maximum of ten hours weekly.
    2. Help children become aware of special effects used on TV. Help them understand what's real and not real.
    3. Don't channel surf; select specific programs from the TV schedule each week.
    4. Encourage kids to watch shows with positive role models, that teach them cooperation, interaction, and appreciation of other cultures,
    5. Teach children that aggression is not the way to solve conflict.
    6. Keep the TV off during dinnertime and homework time.
    7. Preview programs your kids want to watch whenever possible. Okay the ones you think are suitable.
    8. Don't let them watch something just because "everybody else gets to." Stick to your family's values and what you've decided is good for your children.
    9. Whenever possible, watch programs with your children, then discuss some of the following questions:
    • How would you rate this show on a scale from one to ten?
    • What was the program's message?
    • Could you identify with any of the characters?
    • Did you feel this program portrayed life as it really is?
    • What would you have done to help any of the characters?
    • Was there anything in the show you did not agree with?
    • What in the show uplifted you or inspired you to be a better person?
    • Was this program worth the time you spent on it?


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