It’s been quite a busy week for us, and I can hardly believe it’s already Thursday AND Memorial Day Weekend is already here. Seriously, how did that happen?
I have plenty to share, but I have so much information to sift through before I do so. As many of you already know, we spent the day at PBS/WNET Channel thirteen yesterday; what a fun and informative day! I got to hang out with more NYC and NJ mom bloggers, many of whom I’ve been reading for years. But, the best part of the day was that I got to be a part of something so near and dear to us: learning even more about an educational tv show that promotes literacy.
I used to think I was one of those parents that would outlaw “too much tv.”
Eh. Who was I kidding?
As much as I watch tv AND love to read and essentially be a geek, how could I be such a hypocrite? I’m immersed in every aspect of media because it’s the fiber of my being. Internet, magazines, tv, radio, books—all of it!
What I took away from the event was that like other moms, I’m not going to apologize anymore for allowing my kid to watch tv. Instead, I’ll continue to watch educational shows ALONG with him in moderation, in addition to cultural outings and activities, outdoor play and all that fun stuff. Life is too short to make limitations.
Media, in general, has come a long way since we were kids, there’s no doubt about that. What was pretty awesome was getting to understand the brains behind our favorite educational shows, because those same brains are other parents who grew up on shows of the 70s and 80s, just like you and me.
Parenting is tough enough without all that “research” reminding me that everything I’m doing is wrong. So, excuse me while we go watch another show before we go play outside.
#1 by Dena at May 21st, 2009
| Quote
Amen!!!
#2 by Carrie at May 23rd, 2009
| Quote
Not being a mother, I try to avoid judging parental choices since A) I don’t know what I’m talking about, B) their choices aren’t my business, and C) every kid/family is different and no one thing is best for everyone. Having said that, from my perspective, it’s not about whether a kid watches tv, but more about what they watch and whether the parent/guardian is using it as a babysitter only or also interacts with the kid about it. You can give a child a library full of books, but if no one starts out sitting with the kid and looking at books together, reading and engaging and showing the kid the wealth of stuff in books, the kid won’t teach himself to read all on his own. I feel like tv is the same. Parents need to watch tv with the kid, and talk about what they see and carry it over into over parts of life to make connections and learn, etc. I love that you say you’ll watch it ALONG with him, because that’s when I think tv can be as educational as a book, the park, a museum, etc. Together, you guys can learn and see places other than your immediate surroundings and broaden horizons and be entertained. One thing I’ve really come to believe working in education is that kids get a deeper level of knowledge when connections are made between different subjects and areas and life, etc. And by being open to different methods of information delivery, and engaging in it along with Jack, it’s only going to have positive results.
*climbs off soapbox*
#3 by jenrab at May 26th, 2009
| Quote
As always, Carrie, I appreciate your perspective and thoughts, especially since a topic like this hits close to home for you. You hit the nail on the head here, “kids get a deeper level of knowledge when connections are made between different subjects and areas and life.”
I couldn’t say it any better myself!