There is zero value in parents allowing their children to watch TV. Zero. The fact of the matter is that parents are busy — too busy for their children. TV is the babysitter, it is the narcotic, it is the weapon of choice for keeping kids occupied. The problem is divorce. The problem is problem is two-income households. And the problem is poor parenting.
So here are a few facts about television.
The truth about television:
- Number of minutes per week that the average child watches television: 1,680.
- Number of minutes per week that parents spend in meaningful conversation with their children: 3.5.
- Percentage of 4-6 year-olds who, when asked to choose between watching TV and spending time with their fathers, preferred television: 54.
Television is child abuse.
“Millions of Americans are so hooked on television that they fit the criteria for substance abuse as defined in the official psychiatric manual, according to Rutgers University psychologist.”
“Heavy TV viewers exhibit five dependency symptoms–two more than necessary to arrive at a clinical diagnosis of substance abuse. These include: 1) using TV as a sedative; 2) indiscriminate viewing; 3) feeling loss of control while viewing; 4) feeling angry with oneself for watching too much; 5) inability to stop watching; and 6) feeling miserable when kept from watching.”
“The media can wreak great harm on the family when it offers an inadequate or even distorted vision of life, of the family itself and of religion and morality.”– Pope John Paul II, May 2004
Parents, your children cannot benefit from television in any meaningful way. TV will only harm them. Get rid of your TV. Use the shotgun method. Use the 10-story building method. Drive over it like a monster truck. Involve your kids. Make it an outing with mom and dad. They will appreciate it now and when they are grown.
Turn off the TV!
And for when you are outside of your home and want to eliminate the unnecessary distraction, we always recommend TV B Gone.
Sources:
http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html
http://www.vatican.va
http://www.tvbgone.com
considerandhearme 