by Kaitlyn Hamilton

Created on: August 09, 2007

I think that television is a very valuable tool, but it should be used wisely, especially where children are concerned. There are literally dozens of programs on basic cable that are wonderful for children of all ages. Parents should familiarize themselves with the children's television programs that are available, then decide what is appropriate for their child. Parents should also set reasonable time limits on how much television should be allowed.

I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie which taught me many valuable lessons in a way that I could understand and relate. When I was old enough to read, I discovered the Little House on the Prairie books and it opened a whole new world for me. For the first time, I was excited about reading. After I read the first Little House book, I couldn't wait to get to the library to get the second. Within a month, I had read the entire Little House collection. If you've ever seen how many books are in the Little House collection, then you know that I was a very busy 7 year old little girl. I went from being one of the worst readers in my second grade class to reading on a 5th grade level and it all started with a television program.

Parents should watch television with their children to discover what really excites them and use it to their advantage. For example, if a child shows a particular interest in a program about animals, then go to the library and get a book to teach them about animals. Read it to them. Better yet, take them to the zoo and let them learn about the animals first hand. Television provides so many wonderful opportunities for children to learn and it would be a pity not to take advantage of all it has to offer.

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