Radio Commentary
In
setting up rules about television viewing — especially over the summer — be
sure to monitor what your children watch.
Encourage them
to choose programs that make them think; that are free of violence and sex; and
that feature characters whose values are similar to yours.
When watching TV with your children,
ask questions like “Why do you think that person did what he did?” Encourage
your children to ask questions as well, and answer them honestly.
Limit overall television viewing
time. During commercials, review what you just watched and ask children to
predict what will happen next.
Turn off the television if you see
things on it that you don’t like — but be sure to explain to your child why you
are doing so. Say: “I don’t like what those people are doing because . . .”
Remember that when children are
watching TV it takes them away from other activities like reading and sports.
Plan games, trips to the library, and trips to parks and playgrounds to take
the place of TV.
Once you’ve established a basic
foundation for TV viewing, try to find new ways of using the television to
teach and to have fun. Television can help teach your child geography and
math.
Have reference materials or a
computer near the TV so additional information is available. Have your child
look up new words in a dictionary, or look at an atlas to find places mentioned
in a show. This way it’s fun and educational.
