TV Viewing for Youngsters Doesn't Have to be Limited to Cartoons

Mar 01 '01    Write an essay on this topic.


The Bottom Line There is no reason to limit your child's viewing to traditional kid's TV shows.

My daughter is 6 years old. Up until now her television viewing has included a majority of shows in which puppets or animated characters have played major roles.

She learned to count with Seseme Street.

She learned about different cultures and religions with The Puzzle Place.

She learned to find patterns in the world around her along with Steve in Blue’s Clues.

In the world of Rolie Polie Olie she has learned that she’s not alone in dealing with the frustrations of a younger sibling.

In the world of The Little Mermaid she has learned a love of exploration.

In the world of the Rugrats she has learned that every-day life occurrences can be moments of the greatest humor.

But she has also, through more traditionally adult shows. Thanks to programs on Public Braodcasting, on the Cooking Channel, on The Learning Channel and The History Channel, among others she has:

- learned about the time of the dinosaurs
- been exposed to mythology and folklore
- seen babies born vaginally and via C-section
- explored ancient ruins and castles
- watched simple and more elaborate food prepared
- gleaned tidbits of academic trivia

My daughter has come to enjoy watching shows that teach her something she doesn’t know. She has acquired an appetite for information on various topics. She loves to watch everything from history to nature to cooking. She has learned that there is no taboo information. That there is no question she can ask and not get an answer. And she has also learned that the possibilities for who she can be when she grows up are endless.

When choosing what shows are suitable for your child use YOUR judgement. Do not simply rely on what is targeted specifically to their age group. In my opinion, any show that does not contain sex, violence, foul language, or frightening imagery can be appropriate.

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