by sienna1

Created on: May 19, 2009

I remember when colour TV came to Australia, i was just a child and had lived alot of my life in New Guinea which at the time had no TV. TV was fantastic, full of all these new shows. It still is, I have not been fortunate enough to travel overseas yet and maybe never will but through TV i have been able to see other countries, other life and culture and the fantastic imagination of gifted movie makers. I have viewed the news of other countries and changed ignorances and faili

My children watch things on TV that did not exist in my day, NEMO, HI-5, Scooby Do...well that did and its still a favourite. But they also watch animal rescue shows and learn empathy for animals, cooking shows and they fall in love with new recipes, they watch gardening shows with me. I enjoy watching Idol with my kids and SO you think you can dance, my children get up and dance to the music, the imitate the dancers. One thing i am careful of though is not letting them view adult content, they do not need to see the ugliness of the world just yet, the news is a brief introduction to the world and at this moment they have no interest in the silly news, so its off to play with their toys until dinner.

If we did not have TV our children would be the poorer for it. I also feel blessed when they finally sit down and watch some TV. I am guilty of using it as a baby sitter but why not, i am in the house, they are learning and watching things they enjoy and it brings peace to a house that is usually in chaos. I would be happy if there were no adds during children TV time advertising the latest junk food or toys but I guess someone has to pay for it.

I have two 5 year olds and a 6 year old and dearly need things to slow down sometimes. It would be different if they watched TV constantly but kids don't do that, they watch for a half an hour and then get up and go outside, they play and run about and come back and watch some more.

Thats not to say as they get older they will lounge more on the couch but thats where my job comes in, i plan to give them interests as they get older and TV helps with that, it opens their worlds up to new ideas. Use it as a tool and not as a life line.

I believe in moderation, play sports after school and on the weekends as mine do, play in the back yard, play the WII.. its interactive and fun, watch TV, and hang out with your family. TV is a fantastic medium, Its all good and as long as its not overdone TV is one of the best things you can give your children.

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