How TV Can Increase Quality Time with Your Family
We've read the statistics, and we know too much screen time can sometimes be detrimental to young ones. Technology addiction is a thing, and even the light emitting from your tablet, phone, and computer screens has been found to alter sleep cycles and cause weight gain. But here at Buckeye Broadband, we have a little bit of different take on watching TV.
Family Bonding
Studies have zeroed-in on the adverse effects of too much TV, but we think watching television with your family can increase family bonding levels. Here are a few ideas:
Initiating In-Depth Discussions
Gather your family together to watch a movie like Titanic or A Wrinkle in Time. Films like these two examples can increase the possibility of quality interaction with your children. Discussions about the movie can offer teaching opportunities. The movie topic may become an ongoing theme that intrigues you and your family. There is no better conversation-starter than a well-written and executed film.
Finding Inspiration
If you sense something is amiss with your child, you can usually attribute it to feelings of insecurity, fear, or low self-esteem. When parents intentionally choose movies or inspirational TV shows, kids often learn something about doing his or her best; not giving up, or how to make close friends. What child has not benefited from watching movies or TV shows like:
- Sesame Street
- Babe
- National Velvet
- Finding Nemo
- Toy Story
Educating
So many films include information about world history, literature, creativity, how to be kind, and much more. Clever moms and dads can quickly find titles that will benefit children educationally. Some of these types of films are:
- America, the Story of US - documentary
- The Story of All of Us: Mankind - documentary
- Sid the Science Kid - for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners
- School House Rock - a classic even in modern times
- A Little Princess - 2nd-graders and up
- Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - 3rd-graders and up
Teaching Kids How to Watch TV
Television does not have to be the controversial, addicting object it has become. When a family wants to enjoy themselves, TV is rampant with exciting, creative, and excellent programs. We suggest, however, that families should agree on the house rules as they apply to television-watching.
Our example of how to monitor your family's tube-time looks like this:
- If or when a family member seems to get transfixed on the television or isolates from the family, it's time to have a conversation with that person. Even adults can lose themselves in a program or a good movie. If you feel you are ignoring chores or taking care of your young ones, we would all agree that this behavior is not healthy.
- Have on-going talks, with each member of the family present, to come up with an agreed-upon protocol by which all are willing to abide. Use phrases and ideas such as:
- People are more important than television.
- Have a family movie time at least once a week.
- Establish the time limitations of the television watching for each member of the family.
- Moderate when the TV can be on and when it needs to be turned off.
Technology is both an extraordinary achievement and a potential disruptor of connecting with others. Remind yourself that children need time to be quiet, plenty of time with their families, and security. This time can quickly occur by watching TV programs as a family, especially if that programming is inspirational and educational in some way.
Buckeye Broadband
You can bond with your children even on the go if you have StreamTV. Wherever you find yourself, you can have access to children's programs; sporting events; popular movies, and more. Lots of your favorite network TV shows can become available on your mobile phone, tablet, or your streaming device. Plus, you can watch StreamTV on many popular devices, so no cable hookup required!
