TV question
DaBreeze21
I have a question about TV and limits/no limits. My daughter is 20
months old. Until she was about 17-18 months she "watched" very
little TV and it was pretty easy to keep it that way. Sometimes we
had it on and she was playing but she didn't actually sit and watch
for extended periods of time. We were mostly outside playing every
day.
Now as the winter weather has hit and she has gotten older she is
watching more. First she really liked a couple of the Baby Einstein
videos. She is currently hooked on "Finding Nemo".
I have to admit that I find it quite refreshing to find a different
perspective on "screen time". And I hope that as my daughter gets
older that I will achieve with her and our relationship what so many
of you have with your children that apply unschooling principles to
your whole life.
ok, long introduction to get to my question -- is there a certain age
when you think that having no limits applies (of course offering
other fun things to do and not using TV as a babysitter) or does it
start from the time that they can let you know their opinions? I
spent so much time feeling guilty about any TV and reading books
and "research" that said no TV until they're 2 that I don't know what
to think.
For example-- DD woke up from nap and wanted to watch "Nemo" right
away. Of course now I am having the opportunity to right this post! :-
) I have to say though-- I love the movie! Sandra I just read your
article about humor/jokes and LOVE all the humor in children's movies
that is clearly meant for adults.
ok, any input on this would be much appreciated. I sometimes feel
that I am just learning how to form my own opinions... that I am
finally waking up and seeing that there are other ways to live and it
looks so good!
Susan
months old. Until she was about 17-18 months she "watched" very
little TV and it was pretty easy to keep it that way. Sometimes we
had it on and she was playing but she didn't actually sit and watch
for extended periods of time. We were mostly outside playing every
day.
Now as the winter weather has hit and she has gotten older she is
watching more. First she really liked a couple of the Baby Einstein
videos. She is currently hooked on "Finding Nemo".
I have to admit that I find it quite refreshing to find a different
perspective on "screen time". And I hope that as my daughter gets
older that I will achieve with her and our relationship what so many
of you have with your children that apply unschooling principles to
your whole life.
ok, long introduction to get to my question -- is there a certain age
when you think that having no limits applies (of course offering
other fun things to do and not using TV as a babysitter) or does it
start from the time that they can let you know their opinions? I
spent so much time feeling guilty about any TV and reading books
and "research" that said no TV until they're 2 that I don't know what
to think.
For example-- DD woke up from nap and wanted to watch "Nemo" right
away. Of course now I am having the opportunity to right this post! :-
) I have to say though-- I love the movie! Sandra I just read your
article about humor/jokes and LOVE all the humor in children's movies
that is clearly meant for adults.
ok, any input on this would be much appreciated. I sometimes feel
that I am just learning how to form my own opinions... that I am
finally waking up and seeing that there are other ways to live and it
looks so good!
Susan
Laureen
Heya!
On Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 1:31 PM, DaBreeze21 <susanmay15@...> wrote:
> Now as the winter weather has hit and she has gotten older she is
> watching more. First she really liked a couple of the Baby Einstein
> videos. She is currently hooked on "Finding Nemo".
I remember the Nemo phase! Constant replay from waking to sleeping for like
four weeks. Now, I can't get Rowan to watch it even if I really want to. =)
>
> ok, long introduction to get to my question -- is there a certain age
> when you think that having no limits applies (of course offering
> other fun things to do and not using TV as a babysitter) or does it
> start from the time that they can let you know their opinions?
That's my call, yeah.
>
> ok, any input on this would be much appreciated.
>
>
FWIW, we are a no-limits TV house (course, we live on a boat, and watch DVDs
on a computer, so I suppose that's a form of limiting), and at age 5, nearly
6 (eeek!), Rowan routinely chooses to go to his room and read, or play
legos, or draw, or do any one of a gazillion other things. Especially when
it's Kestrel's turn to pick a movie and he grabs Nemo. =) =) =)
--
~~L!
~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~
Writing here:
http://www.theexcellentadventure.com/
http://lifewithoutschool.typepad.com/
Publishing here:
http://huntpress.com/
~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ed Wendell
Our son has always picked a favorite movie and watched it over and over again. Then he will begin to watch just favorite parts of the movie. He is 13 now and will still do this - though not as much.
I clearly remember Mary Poppins and the dance scenes being played over and over when he was about 3 or 4. Which led to a love of the "River Dance" film we had and he still likes Celtic music - especially bagpipe. And he knows tons about the history of the Celts.
Mostly for our son though he does not only watch, he is usually doing other things too - such as legos or dancing along with the chimney sweeps ;)
A couple of weeks ago he wanted to rent the entire series of "Band of Brothers" He ended up with all his "G.I. Joes" action figures out and completely turned the family room into a war zone. Every pillow and spare blanket was used to make hills and trenches - even the camera tripod was used for a look out tower. I don't think he ever finished watching all the shows - but his creative juices were in high gear for over a week. And that led to more knowledge about WWII. Oh and at one point he was talking about / investigating scale models (for instance if the camera tripod was in scale to the figures in relationship to a real look out tower and real people.) He actually used the terms "to scale" I spent something like 30 dollars to rent those shows but it is like the Visa commercial - price for the learning / activities / contentment / joy / = priceless!
These movies and shows - are almost always a catalist for other activities.
I must add though - we do have moments now and then when we snuggle up on the couch (yup he is bigger than me and he still lays all over me in a kind of side drape) to watch a movie.
Lisa W.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I clearly remember Mary Poppins and the dance scenes being played over and over when he was about 3 or 4. Which led to a love of the "River Dance" film we had and he still likes Celtic music - especially bagpipe. And he knows tons about the history of the Celts.
Mostly for our son though he does not only watch, he is usually doing other things too - such as legos or dancing along with the chimney sweeps ;)
A couple of weeks ago he wanted to rent the entire series of "Band of Brothers" He ended up with all his "G.I. Joes" action figures out and completely turned the family room into a war zone. Every pillow and spare blanket was used to make hills and trenches - even the camera tripod was used for a look out tower. I don't think he ever finished watching all the shows - but his creative juices were in high gear for over a week. And that led to more knowledge about WWII. Oh and at one point he was talking about / investigating scale models (for instance if the camera tripod was in scale to the figures in relationship to a real look out tower and real people.) He actually used the terms "to scale" I spent something like 30 dollars to rent those shows but it is like the Visa commercial - price for the learning / activities / contentment / joy / = priceless!
These movies and shows - are almost always a catalist for other activities.
I must add though - we do have moments now and then when we snuggle up on the couch (yup he is bigger than me and he still lays all over me in a kind of side drape) to watch a movie.
Lisa W.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Robyn L. Coburn
<<<< and "research" that said no TV until they're 2 that I don't know what
which them contrive are remotely like the way tv is watched in my house.
<<<<> For example-- DD woke up from nap and wanted to watch "Nemo" right
a lot. She does so less now, but that may change again.
I wrote about tv here www.sandradodd.com/whatif#robyn amongst other writers
on that page - I'm the green box. Nothing has changed except that Jayn has
added more variety to her viewing interests. Sometimes I am even getting a
drama series for grownups in her schedule. She loves "Ghost Whisperer" with
Jennifer Love Hewitt.
<<<<<> ) I have to say though-- I love the movie! Sandra I just read your
the satire and innuendo goes over Jayn's head. By the time it will not go
over her head, she'll be able to get it. Meanwhile, "what the deuce?"
Robyn L. Coburn
www.Iggyjingles.etsy.com
www.iggyjingles.blogspot.com
> to think. >>>>Most of the research I have read is goofy. None of the viewing situations
which them contrive are remotely like the way tv is watched in my house.
<<<<> For example-- DD woke up from nap and wanted to watch "Nemo" right
> away.>>>>My dd, Jayn now 8, used to use tv or movies to transition from wake to sleep
a lot. She does so less now, but that may change again.
I wrote about tv here www.sandradodd.com/whatif#robyn amongst other writers
on that page - I'm the green box. Nothing has changed except that Jayn has
added more variety to her viewing interests. Sometimes I am even getting a
drama series for grownups in her schedule. She loves "Ghost Whisperer" with
Jennifer Love Hewitt.
<<<<<> ) I have to say though-- I love the movie! Sandra I just read your
> article about humor/jokes and LOVE all the humor in children's moviesNot a kids' show, but we love "Family Guy". Soooo not a kids' show. Most of
> that is clearly meant for adults. >>>>
the satire and innuendo goes over Jayn's head. By the time it will not go
over her head, she'll be able to get it. Meanwhile, "what the deuce?"
Robyn L. Coburn
www.Iggyjingles.etsy.com
www.iggyjingles.blogspot.com
Sandra Dodd
-=-ok, long introduction to get to my question -- is there a certain age
when you think that having no limits applies (of course offering
other fun things to do and not using TV as a babysitter) or does it
start from the time that they can let you know their opinions? -=-
"Using TV as a babysitter" is one of those lines people use to
manipulate feelings of parents.
Try to let those phrase go. Don't hang on to guilt like that.
Children can let you know their opinions from infancy, right? You
couldn't make a child watch TV. They can look away or whimper or whine.
htp://sandradodd.com/yes
Saying yes is pretty wonderful.
-=-ok, any input on this would be much appreciated. I sometimes feel
that I am just learning how to form my own opinions..-=-
There's a good argument for letting your daughter form her own
opinions about little bitty things right now, so when the big things
come she'll have years of experience.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
when you think that having no limits applies (of course offering
other fun things to do and not using TV as a babysitter) or does it
start from the time that they can let you know their opinions? -=-
"Using TV as a babysitter" is one of those lines people use to
manipulate feelings of parents.
Try to let those phrase go. Don't hang on to guilt like that.
Children can let you know their opinions from infancy, right? You
couldn't make a child watch TV. They can look away or whimper or whine.
htp://sandradodd.com/yes
Saying yes is pretty wonderful.
-=-ok, any input on this would be much appreciated. I sometimes feel
that I am just learning how to form my own opinions..-=-
There's a good argument for letting your daughter form her own
opinions about little bitty things right now, so when the big things
come she'll have years of experience.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Nancy Wooton
On Feb 25, 2008, at 5:25 PM, Laureen wrote:
dinosaurs. Every day, more than once a day. The documentary was 6 or
8 hours long, I think <g> One day ds was taking a bath, and I heard
him talking to himself and walking back and forth in the tub. He was
reciting dialogue about fossilized dino footprints found at the bottom
of the "floxy river," imitating the narrator pretty well ;-)
They're 20 and 17 now, btw, and none of the scary possible outcomes of
unlimited video viewing have happened. They're eyes haven't grown out
on stalks (Monty Python ;-))) and they haven't stopped reading, become
obese and, as far as I can tell since we don't test, haven't gotten
any dumber.
Nancy
>>With my dd it was Bambi. With ds, it was a documentary about
>> Now as the winter weather has hit and she has gotten older she is
>> watching more. First she really liked a couple of the Baby Einstein
>> videos. She is currently hooked on "Finding Nemo".
>
>
> I remember the Nemo phase! Constant replay from waking to sleeping
> for like
> four weeks. Now, I can't get Rowan to watch it even if I really want
> to. =)
dinosaurs. Every day, more than once a day. The documentary was 6 or
8 hours long, I think <g> One day ds was taking a bath, and I heard
him talking to himself and walking back and forth in the tub. He was
reciting dialogue about fossilized dino footprints found at the bottom
of the "floxy river," imitating the narrator pretty well ;-)
They're 20 and 17 now, btw, and none of the scary possible outcomes of
unlimited video viewing have happened. They're eyes haven't grown out
on stalks (Monty Python ;-))) and they haven't stopped reading, become
obese and, as far as I can tell since we don't test, haven't gotten
any dumber.
Nancy
MrsStranahan
The link Robyn sent was messed up. I think this is what she meant -
http://sandradodd.com/t/whatif
http://sandradodd.com/t/whatif
On Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 6:02 PM, Robyn L. Coburn <dezigna@...> wrote:
>
> I wrote about tv here www.sandradodd.com/whatif#robyn amongst other writers
> on that page - I'm the green box. Nothing has changed except that Jayn has
> added more variety to her viewing interests. Sometimes I am even getting a
> drama series for grownups in her schedule. She loves "Ghost Whisperer" with
> Jennifer Love Hewitt.
>
> Not a kids' show, but we love "Family Guy". Soooo not a kids' show. Most of
> the satire and innuendo goes over Jayn's head. By the time it will not go
> over her head, she'll be able to get it. Meanwhile, "what the deuce?"
>
> Robyn L. Coburn
> www.Iggyjingles.etsy.com
> www.iggyjingles.blogspot.com
[email protected]
In a message dated 2/25/2008 9:30:35 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Sandra@... writes:
There's a good argument for letting your daughter form her own
opinions about little bitty things right now, so when the big things
come she'll have years of experience.
That's where my thoughts went yesterday when my mother called me, fuming and
complaining about my brother (again) and how he makes such big mistakes: He
bought a computer on payments that he couldn't complete the payments on, he
bought a new car that was out of his price range and eventually was
repossessed, he's been on the verge of having utilities turned of numerous times and
almost evicted twice. My mother always stepped in for him when he had the least
little difficulty or was doing something "wrong". He was never *allowed* to
make small, easily remedied or minorly painful mistakes when he was growing
up, so now he makes big mistakes like paying a large amount of cash to two guys
in Indonesia he got an e-mail from-supposedly to set up a product selling
website. What is my mother's idea to get him out of this? Take him to court and
have him declared incompetent so that she can run his life "right" (he's 39
years old in 2 months). At least one good thing comes from it, though-it
helps me to not "sweat the small stuff" with my kids and put my controlling urges
in check. Looks like my brother won't have his own experience with making
mistakes until my mother is incapable of stepping in any longer.
Peace,
De
**************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/
2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra@... writes:
There's a good argument for letting your daughter form her own
opinions about little bitty things right now, so when the big things
come she'll have years of experience.
That's where my thoughts went yesterday when my mother called me, fuming and
complaining about my brother (again) and how he makes such big mistakes: He
bought a computer on payments that he couldn't complete the payments on, he
bought a new car that was out of his price range and eventually was
repossessed, he's been on the verge of having utilities turned of numerous times and
almost evicted twice. My mother always stepped in for him when he had the least
little difficulty or was doing something "wrong". He was never *allowed* to
make small, easily remedied or minorly painful mistakes when he was growing
up, so now he makes big mistakes like paying a large amount of cash to two guys
in Indonesia he got an e-mail from-supposedly to set up a product selling
website. What is my mother's idea to get him out of this? Take him to court and
have him declared incompetent so that she can run his life "right" (he's 39
years old in 2 months). At least one good thing comes from it, though-it
helps me to not "sweat the small stuff" with my kids and put my controlling urges
in check. Looks like my brother won't have his own experience with making
mistakes until my mother is incapable of stepping in any longer.
Peace,
De
**************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/
2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
-=-With my dd it was Bambi. With ds, it was a documentary about
dinosaurs. Every day, more than once a day.-=-
Kirby liked Disney Singalongs.
Marty watched Dumbo.
Holly, oddly, watched "Stand By Me," and now is a Stephen King fan. I
think that was also a catalyst in her abiding interest in rock and
doo-wop from the late 50's and early 60's.
One morning Marty (at 5 or 6) woke up first, came straight to me,
and said "Mom, PLEASE don't let Holly watch 'Stand By Me.'"
She watched it. We jollied Marty up other ways.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
dinosaurs. Every day, more than once a day.-=-
Kirby liked Disney Singalongs.
Marty watched Dumbo.
Holly, oddly, watched "Stand By Me," and now is a Stephen King fan. I
think that was also a catalyst in her abiding interest in rock and
doo-wop from the late 50's and early 60's.
One morning Marty (at 5 or 6) woke up first, came straight to me,
and said "Mom, PLEASE don't let Holly watch 'Stand By Me.'"
She watched it. We jollied Marty up other ways.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
The link Robyn sent was messed up. I think this is what she meant -
http://sandradodd.com/t/whatif
Thanks for correcting that. Those who like Robyn's tone and take
will like this stuff!
http://sandradodd.com/robyncoburn
http://sandradodd.com/t/whatif
Thanks for correcting that. Those who like Robyn's tone and take
will like this stuff!
http://sandradodd.com/robyncoburn
Sandra Dodd
-=-It gives
some pretty good information about what kids generally can
follow/comprehend/benefit from at various ages.-=-
There are problems when parents expect too much of their children at
too young an age. Sometimes they say "READ, you're six; READ NOW."
Or they want a very young child to care about tithing or saving money
or having an interest-bearing savings account.
Then it's good to suggest that they might want to read some Piaget
stages of child development (which I think everyone should read
anyway, now that the subject is on the table).
BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, there are problems with reading a book to see
what your child can follow or comprehend or benefit from when your
child is right there, in the room.
-==...says the reason is that your child needs/learns from human
interaction and TV time diminishes that. -=-
Ooooooh.
Well. Parents need to learn from interaction with their child, and
book-reading time diminishes that.
If a show is on and your child is watching and you can tell she's
engaged with the information one way or another, it doesn't matter
what ANY book says. Look at her. If she doesn't like it she'll
turn away and do something else.
How can you tell if a child is engaged/interested/benefiting/thinking?
Look at her eyes. For babies, are they hopping and dancing or
reaching? Are they looking at that instead of the food you're trying
to put in their mouths? Are they liking the music, or the movement,
or the faces or what? It doesn't matter, except to remember that if
that other fully-formed yet young human is learning something, you
might want to let that continue instead of jealously trying to
control and channel his attention and interests.
For verbal older kids, do they talk about it and ask questions or act
it out?
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
some pretty good information about what kids generally can
follow/comprehend/benefit from at various ages.-=-
There are problems when parents expect too much of their children at
too young an age. Sometimes they say "READ, you're six; READ NOW."
Or they want a very young child to care about tithing or saving money
or having an interest-bearing savings account.
Then it's good to suggest that they might want to read some Piaget
stages of child development (which I think everyone should read
anyway, now that the subject is on the table).
BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, there are problems with reading a book to see
what your child can follow or comprehend or benefit from when your
child is right there, in the room.
-==...says the reason is that your child needs/learns from human
interaction and TV time diminishes that. -=-
Ooooooh.
Well. Parents need to learn from interaction with their child, and
book-reading time diminishes that.
If a show is on and your child is watching and you can tell she's
engaged with the information one way or another, it doesn't matter
what ANY book says. Look at her. If she doesn't like it she'll
turn away and do something else.
How can you tell if a child is engaged/interested/benefiting/thinking?
Look at her eyes. For babies, are they hopping and dancing or
reaching? Are they looking at that instead of the food you're trying
to put in their mouths? Are they liking the music, or the movement,
or the faces or what? It doesn't matter, except to remember that if
that other fully-formed yet young human is learning something, you
might want to let that continue instead of jealously trying to
control and channel his attention and interests.
For verbal older kids, do they talk about it and ask questions or act
it out?
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]