by Lorriellah

Created on: September 16, 2009

Television exists, alcohol exists and fast food exists yet we can't wrap our children up in cotton wool and not allow them to experience these aspects of life what we can do though is help them to realise that everything in moderation is the key.

Children should be allowed to watch television but they shouldn't be allowed to just watch television. I think it is all about making sure there is a healthy balance within your child's life and you may be able to use television to your advantage.

I was brought up with the television being part of every day life. It was always there in our living room and our kitchen and it often accompanied our evenings but it never dominated my life. I was always able to enjoy reading a book too or drawing or playing outside with friends. I think the mere fact that the television was never made to seem like something special or out of bounds meant that I never craved it, I never had arguments with my parents about wanting to watch more than what they considered was satisfactory and I never was accused of 'having square eyes'.

Considering I was raised with television I don't think I have done too badly for myself with a degree, a masters and a diploma up my sleeve.

What I think is important with regards to parenting and the television is for children to realise that there are other hobbies and interests outside of the modern technology of television and video games. Children can find great fun in being creative and playing outdoors which has many benefits as well as healthy but also educational and psychological too. I think parents should always be conscious of just how much television their children are watching and what other activities they are involved in too.

I think monitoring what your children watch too is important. Of course you should limit the content, you shouldn't let your young children watch violent and sexual programmes but instead of just banning these outright you should explain to your child as to why you aren't allowing them to watch a certain show so that they feel as though you respect them enough to provide them with an explanation.

Television isn't a demon. Just because your child may sit for an hour in front of a TV show for an hour one day doesn't mean that they will then turn into obese, lazy adults who have no interest in anything academic. Television can also be hugely educational and eye-opening too. You cannot deny the power that the media of television has and so it can really be used to your advantage. It can be used to teach your children certain things and help them to become aware of the world around them too.

In conclusion I definitely think that if you ban television it will make it seem like a trophy of some sort and you may be cutting your nose off despite your face considering that the television also comes with some educational value too. Just ensuring that you keep your communication channels open with your children so you are aware of just how much they are watching then I don't think that you are doing any damage to your children at all by letting them watch the television.

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