Health experts have always been adamant in campaigning against too much TV watching for kids. Obesity, exposure to violence and laziness are some of the undesirable things associated with TV watching. It has even been called the ‘stranger’ in our house. While admittedly too much TV watching is detrimental to a child, new revelations prove that TV has benefits on a child’s development. We must admit that not all programs are bad, and some are tailored to enhance a child’s thinking capacity. When a child watches TV, he/she is exposed to the outer world which he would never otherwise have experienced. Thanks to some of the discovery channels, children get to learn and the cultures of other people across the globe. By this, they get to appreciate other cultures so they can easily get along with others even later in life, say at workplace. They also learn about the different animal species found in various continents. Such sights enhance appreciation for our nature and they open up a child’s mind to other unexplored possibilities.
Children are also able to acquire positive skills while watching TV. These include general etiquette when dealing with persons older to them or visitors. A child’s mind is curious and ready to learn new things. So parents are advised to take advantage of this, by interacting with their children when watching TV. It is always good to ask thought-provoking questions which will stimulate their minds. In the middle of the program you may ask ‘what do you think will happen?’ and thus the child will start contemplating the end. By starting up such small discussions, a parent may help the child to have efficient communication skills; an invaluable asset in their later lives. Moreover such analytical skills will also go a long way in preparing a child in making decisions. When a parent actively participates in TV watching with their child, the experience is not a boring one.
Educational TV shows are also a valuable tool in the learning process. There are some kids who simply lack the motivation to follow a certain routine in school. Such shows may help the child look at education from an interesting perspective. These shows incorporate learning but in a fun way. For instance a child may enjoy solving a puzzle and not realize he is learning to count at the same time. So while being entertained, they are getting educated. So it may be wise for parents to make the most out of their TV watching sessions with their children. A balanced view is of course required. Children easily pick up habits from people they watch and therefore a parent would make sure their child emulates a reputable role model. Shaping a child’s mind through TV watching can be an effective tool if utilized in the proper manner. So entertain your child with TV under proper supervision and you may be helping him be the next Albert Einstein! It will surely be worth the effort.
