Paula Sjogerman

I agree with so many of the views you expressed in your last post. I also
believe that TV has tons of dribble and the system of commercials promotes
rampant consumerism. BUT, here we are, living in this society. I'd rather
make sure my kids have the skills they need to view things critically, so
that when I'm not around they know how to see what's true and what's not.

I didn't have a tv myself for many years and didn't miss it a bit. Now I
watch quite a few shows and I'm happy about that too. TV is just a tool and
you can use it to great advantage. I have seen my kids use tv as a
"socializing, community-building and knowledge and resource gathering tool."
The values that you disagree with are all around us, not just on television.
I've found that being able to talk with my kids about these messages is the
best way of combating them. Without meaning to be condescending, I have to
say that it is different when you have one four year old than when you have
more and/or older kids. When I had one four year old, we hardly ever watched
tv either. But someday (too soon!) you will not be around her all the time
and you will not be able to censor what she takes in.

I think it's a bit different if you don't own a tv or if you have a tv and
try to impose limitations on your kids. I see that you are open to having tv
in the future - and open-mindedness is something we're all shooting for.

Hoping I made some kind of sense,
Paula