Stay Connected

Do we really know what our kids are watching on television these days? There are lots of television shows that are approved for children and are both child and parent friendly. But do we take the time to actually watch them? Spending time with your family watching a T.V. show or a made for television movie can be a great way to bond with them and start up good conversations, but are all the shows appropriate?

In this day and age, the media seems to be taking over our lives; it’s everywhere you look. You constantly have the radio, televisions, newspapers, magazines, mp3 players, cell phones and other types of media in your face 24/7, it’s no wonder why our children don’t spend more time away from these devices; they have everything right at their finger tips. By having these forms of media and information easily accessible, there isn’t any need for kids (and some adults too) to go out and get exercise, or have conversations with others. Seems like today, everyone is either text messaging someone on their phone or sending e-mails; the joy of talking with people face to face or directly has been decreasing over the years. By watching family oriented television shows, you will be able to spend more family time together, as well as open up conversation between the children and parents.

Having honest and open conversation is an important aspect to have in any type of relationship whether it is with your significant other, friends or immediate family. By having dialects, you will be able to share your feelings with one another as well as build a stronger bond between you. When watching the shows with your children, you can share a common interest. You are able to connect on their level and talk about things that they like, and understand the world that they live in.

Another positive to watching television and made for T.V. movies is that you get to monitor what your children watch and don’t watch. Sex in the media is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society, even for children’s television. By being close by them, you are able to see what they are exposed to, and what will be good for them in the long run. It’s important for kids to learn that sometimes what they see on T.V. and commercials isn’t always reality, and what the majority of the population looks or acts like.

Great channels to watch with your children are ABC Family as well as Disney shows. Keep in touch with your children and stay involved with their life. Times may be changing, and forms of communication and outlets for media may be growing, but get down to the basics and communicate with them. By being able to bond with them and having conversations about a common interest, will not only help better your relationship with your child, but also help you monitor what they are watching and letting into their world.