I would have to say the family environment would be the most influencial item for children today. I know this is a bit of a cop-out, but I feel this way because an effective family environment can filter out most other environmental influences. I also think this is the case because as a parent I know I can only control the things within my home and my family, I can't control so many other things, and can only filter them for my children.
I would almost say that the mass media would be the most influencial item just due to it's amazing prevalence in the world today, but it came a close second.
So many of our exercises and explorations come back to the family and the basis we all received there, so I think that would make it the most important thing for children today.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Mass(ive) Media
What are your views on children and media: specifically television, Internet and video games? When should it be allowed? How much should be allowed? How can it be monitored?
I'm having a difficult time with this one personally. My oldest is 7, and will zone into the television or video games for hours upon hours if we let him. He will choose to stay home from the store, or the activity we're doing that day because he's so invested in the television. The days I'm home with him, I've started by giving him a limit: 30 mins, then he has to go do something else for at least an hour. This has helped because he and his little sister have gotten to the point where they love going out into the yard and playing ball, or chasing the puppy, or whatever. I'm hoping this is a turning point, but am not sure. We don't allow television or video games before homework is done -- for my son or his little sister (got to be fair at this age!)
I do, however, really like the educational links provided on my son's school website. The games are nice there because they have an educational focus, and they get my kids more practice with the mouse and/or keyboard, which they don't have a lot of already. If my kids ask for computer time, I try to give it to them while I'm near by, mainly because they still need help with certain parts of the manipulation.
My daughter is the opposite -- television and video games don't hold her attention, she's always interested in EVERYTHING and has a very positive attitude. I'm thankful that I don't see the trends in her that I saw in my son at this age. I want to reverse the trends now, before it gets even harder when they're older.
The other thing we do utilize are the ratings on the cartoons. These have proven pretty important, especially with the four year old watching some of her older brother's cartoons at times. I have to stress with my son that the rating has to be appropriate. Once we caught him watching a show rated for 7 and above with his sister -- the television was turned off for the rest of the night.
Recently I've also made a concerted effort to do more activities as a family. We instituted a "game night" every Saturday and have marathon session of Uno Spin. We all laugh and have a great time. It's one of the best decisions I've made as a mom!
I'm having a difficult time with this one personally. My oldest is 7, and will zone into the television or video games for hours upon hours if we let him. He will choose to stay home from the store, or the activity we're doing that day because he's so invested in the television. The days I'm home with him, I've started by giving him a limit: 30 mins, then he has to go do something else for at least an hour. This has helped because he and his little sister have gotten to the point where they love going out into the yard and playing ball, or chasing the puppy, or whatever. I'm hoping this is a turning point, but am not sure. We don't allow television or video games before homework is done -- for my son or his little sister (got to be fair at this age!)
I do, however, really like the educational links provided on my son's school website. The games are nice there because they have an educational focus, and they get my kids more practice with the mouse and/or keyboard, which they don't have a lot of already. If my kids ask for computer time, I try to give it to them while I'm near by, mainly because they still need help with certain parts of the manipulation.
My daughter is the opposite -- television and video games don't hold her attention, she's always interested in EVERYTHING and has a very positive attitude. I'm thankful that I don't see the trends in her that I saw in my son at this age. I want to reverse the trends now, before it gets even harder when they're older.
The other thing we do utilize are the ratings on the cartoons. These have proven pretty important, especially with the four year old watching some of her older brother's cartoons at times. I have to stress with my son that the rating has to be appropriate. Once we caught him watching a show rated for 7 and above with his sister -- the television was turned off for the rest of the night.
Recently I've also made a concerted effort to do more activities as a family. We instituted a "game night" every Saturday and have marathon session of Uno Spin. We all laugh and have a great time. It's one of the best decisions I've made as a mom!
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