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Does Your Child Watch Too Much TV? There was a time when homework was given first priority, and everything else followed. However, nowadays it seems that the only time children do their homework is when nothing good is coming on television - or, of course, when parents hang the Damocles' sword on their head. Television is affecting sleep, studies,
mealtimes…. If your child's favourite programme is on, she will only go
to bed when it gets over. The 'trash' that might affect young, impressionable
minds gives parents sleepless nights. So how would you tackle this problem?
Make it a Family Decision If you tell your child "No watching
telelvision after 9:30 at night," you can be sure that's one rule that's
not going to be adhered to. You should involve your child in the decision
as well. Have a family meeting and say "There's a problem. How are 'we'
going to solve it?"
Choices Give your child the choice of programmes
and timings. Sit with her while she makes a study plan and tell her that
this plan will have to be adhered to. Let her choose for herself when she
wants to study and when she wants to watch television. You will, however,
have to hold her to it. The minute you slack off, so will your child.
Watching Trash Children may be drawn towards programmes
with violent or horror themes. You may find it unsuitable, but arguing
will get you nowhere. You could, instead, sit with your children and discuss
the programme after it is over.
Let Children Think for Themselves Don't impose your opinions. Tease
them into expressing their own. Ask them who they thought the 'bad guy'
was, and why. There is an inbuilt moral lesson to be learnt from most programmes
- the bad guy never wins. Turn this to your advantage. Ask your children
if they think it's fun to beat up someone, and what they thought was right
and wrong.
A Critical Eye While watching a movie you could
pass comments on how unbelievable and unrealistic certain aspects of the
plot are - and you'll find plenty such aspects when watching a Hindi
movie! This will help your children develop a critical eye and spot an
absurdity when they come across it.
Educational Programmes Encourage your children to watch
educational programmes on television. They would only be interested in
watching Discovery Channel and the like if you inculcate an interest in
such channels. If a programme on bees is coming up, you could give your
children some fascinating facts, perhaps show them a book or article on
bees. This will build their interest.
Cartoons Get your children a colouring book of their favourite cartoon characters. Encourage them to sketch these favourite characters. You never know what undiscovered creative talents are hiding behind their mischievous exteriors. The television need not be such an
enemy if you know how to cope with it, and use it to your advantage.
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