Letting your children watch TV is a huge argument that seems to have a 50/50 vote going for it. Half of Moms think that their kids should be doing real life educational things rather than watching any TV... while the other half don't mind TV or even feel it helps their children learn. I am one who feels that as with all things, moderation is what matters. I have been guilty of letting my son watch TV all day long, and I have also spent days where neither of us watch any TV at all. Maybe that is one extreme to the next, but what I truly feel is as long as TV benefits him, and he spends more time in real life than watching TV, then all is fine with me.
I have been sitting down watching Noggin with my son and heard him say things that no one has ever taught him. I have seen him do what they were doing on TV. I am pretty strict about only letting him watch Noggin but he will catch other shows we watch here and there. But he has seen animals he recognizes and then he tells me what sound they make without me prompting. He dances along with Yo Gabba Gabba at the right time. He gets so thrilled when his favorite shows come on. Just a couple days ago he surprised us by pointing out "Wowwow" was on. Wow Wow Wubbzy is his favorite show. Daddy got him a Wubbzy doll last Christmas and he grabs it and announces who he is holding. It brings me joy that even though we have always called him Wubbzy, he calls him Wow Wow. I think that is great.
The thing is, I do not expect my son never to watch TV. I have used it as a baby sitter also, but not for a long period of time. Sometimes a Mom needs to chill out, or do something that you shouldn't have a little one running around behind you. The TV can give you that opportunity, just don't abuse it. Given the fact that he mimics what he sees, I do not want him watching certain shows or stations. And further more, I know that I personally do not overuse the TV. I have shows that I think are great, like LOST, and I won't miss them for anything. But I do not spend my life in front of the TV. I do not expect my son never to watch TV in his life, so why not understand how it works now? I have taught my son there are times when the TV needs to stay off. He is good about it now, he even turns it off when I say bedtime and then he proceeds to walk himself to bed and go right to sleep. I teach him with love, and avoid anger as much as possible. I respect that he is his own person and I look out for what is best for his health. I will never tell him how to act or speak, so long as he does them with respect for others. I will cherish who he is as a person and never tell him his true desires are worthless and pointless. Even if they are to me, doesn't mean they are to him. I have seen the product of that type of parenting, and it is not pretty.
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I have been sitting down watching Noggin with my son and heard him say things that no one has ever taught him. I have seen him do what they were doing on TV. I am pretty strict about only letting him watch Noggin but he will catch other shows we watch here and there. But he has seen animals he recognizes and then he tells me what sound they make without me prompting. He dances along with Yo Gabba Gabba at the right time. He gets so thrilled when his favorite shows come on. Just a couple days ago he surprised us by pointing out "Wowwow" was on. Wow Wow Wubbzy is his favorite show. Daddy got him a Wubbzy doll last Christmas and he grabs it and announces who he is holding. It brings me joy that even though we have always called him Wubbzy, he calls him Wow Wow. I think that is great.
The thing is, I do not expect my son never to watch TV. I have used it as a baby sitter also, but not for a long period of time. Sometimes a Mom needs to chill out, or do something that you shouldn't have a little one running around behind you. The TV can give you that opportunity, just don't abuse it. Given the fact that he mimics what he sees, I do not want him watching certain shows or stations. And further more, I know that I personally do not overuse the TV. I have shows that I think are great, like LOST, and I won't miss them for anything. But I do not spend my life in front of the TV. I do not expect my son never to watch TV in his life, so why not understand how it works now? I have taught my son there are times when the TV needs to stay off. He is good about it now, he even turns it off when I say bedtime and then he proceeds to walk himself to bed and go right to sleep. I teach him with love, and avoid anger as much as possible. I respect that he is his own person and I look out for what is best for his health. I will never tell him how to act or speak, so long as he does them with respect for others. I will cherish who he is as a person and never tell him his true desires are worthless and pointless. Even if they are to me, doesn't mean they are to him. I have seen the product of that type of parenting, and it is not pretty.
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