by Ally Hart

Created on: September 27, 2009   Last Updated: September 29, 2009

It is true that years ago when television and electronic devices were not an option, children found other ways to entertain themselves by games, outdoor play and so forth.

In today's society, every household has at least one television set inhabiting a corner of the family home. Some parents rely too much on television as a source of entertainment for their children, something to keep them occupied rather than spending quality time with them, an electronic babysitter if you will. This should not be the case.

As it is nice to slip away for a coffee break while the kids watch a couple of shows, this method of prolonged television watching is what gives television, when it comes to raising kids, a bad reputation.

Children shouldn't be deprived of one of technology's greatest forms of entertainment just because some lazy parents don't want to do their jobs. Television and DVDs geared toward children can actually help them learn, watched in moderation, of course.

Cable and satelite dish providers offer a wider variety of educational programming for children. Not just nonsense cartoons. Choose television programming that is suitable for your child's age. For example, if your child is a preschooler, choose a programming station like Noggin or Tree House TV, which air educational programming geared toward preschoolers.

Watch the shows with your children as part of a learning experience. Talk to your child about what they think the program was about - colours, names etc. Answer any questions your child has and make it not only a learning experience but also quality time spent with your child. Bonding time can happen during television time.

Watching television with your children is also a good way to get in some quiet cuddle time before bed. It not only is an entertainment source, but can be used as an educational tool as well.

Having choices in what our kids watch, there is nothing wrong with children watching television in moderation with shows geared to their age group. Shows such as "Dora the Explorer" and "Blue's Clues" are geared toward the education of preschoolers and offer a variety of DVDs at most stores that sell children's movies.

It is just one of those things that technology brings us to add to story time, crafts, park adventures and other activities we as parents do to help educate our little ones. The technology of television just made it a little more helpful for us.

Learn more about this author, Ally Hart.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.