One of your goals as a parent is to raise a responsible, independent child who can choose quality programming and manage his or her own TV time. Here are some pointers to help you raise a media-savvy child.
Teach your values
Make sure that your child understands what your values are, and help him or her identify programs that reinforce those values.
Start a dialogue
Talk with your child about what he or she sees on TV. Ask questions about how characters are represented and what behaviors are portrayed as normal. Ask your child how a program makes him or her feel, and encourage your child to ask his or her own questions.
Help them choose
Help your child choose his or her TV programs wisely. Demonstrate how you look for TV shows with topics that interest you, and explain how your values play a role when you choose a program.
Give ’em the low-down
Explain how TV differs from reality and how programs and commercials are created to achieve a specific result and elicit a particular reaction from the audience.
Clear up misunderstandings
Recognize that your child may not understand a TV program the way that you do. Ask your child to retell the story or describe what happened, and check for misunderstandings. Use this as an opportunity to reinforce your values.
Set them free
Give your child the freedom to create his or her own TV schedule. Encourage him or her to balance TV time with other activities and look for programs that are fun and educational.
Use these helpful resources
Visit the following sites for more information on raising a
media-savvy child: