For the most part I would say that television has a negative effect on children - depending on what they watch, I guess. I think if they are learning educational facts or self-esteem, it can be good for them. I think it is wrong for parents to rely upon the television as an electric baby-sitter just to keep children out of their hair. I also think it's wrong for parents to allow children to watch something violent - perhaps not even of their choosing, but what may be on to entertain said parent.
Michelle
had given birth to Melody five months before I had Jenna. Michelle had decided that Melody would not be
allowed to watch TV and asked those who’d be watching Melody to honor her
wishes. I, on the other hand, engaged
Jenna in watching children’s programs. I
loved to watch her watch them and I loved that she learned.
There were some programs that were
more educational than others. She liked
the doll Molly from The Big Comfy Couch
and thus we had added the program to our agenda.
She would work out with Luna and lay
down and work with a pretend clock while Luna did her workout. Jenna did this on her own as I had never even
thought to have her follow along.
I think her favorite part of the
program was watching the dust bunnies who were not always a part of the
show.
She
still smiles when I show her pictures.
She laughed as a child. She has always
had such a cute laugh.
We discovered Laurie Berkner through
Noggin. Jenna would always do the march
and actions along with Laurie. I think
her favorite was “We Are the Dinosaurs”
Over time, Roland purchased two
Laurie Berkner CDs for us to listen to
Of course television did not replace my reading to her. We spent countless hours at the library playing games and checking out books. Many of the books we read were non-fiction because she would ask for them. She'd ask lots of questions - for example about honey and bees. We would look read the books together in order to answer her questions.
Melody was introduced to the
television eventually, but has never loved it.
Jenna will rewatch programs from the past just to put a smile on her
face. But she could live without the TV
now.
