How to take charge of the TV

Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it. Keep in
mind, though, that young children often imitate what they
see, good or bad. It's up to you to decide how much TV and
what kinds of shows your child should watch.

Think about your child's age and choose the types of things
that you want him to see, learn, and imitate.

Look for TV shows that

--teach your child something,

--hold his interest,

--encourage him to listen and question,

--help him learn more words,

--make him feel good about himself, and

--introduce him to new ideas and things.

"Sesame Street," "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," "Blue's
Clues," "Between the Lions," "Reading Rainbow," "Barney &
Friends," "Zoom," and "Zoboomafoo," are some shows that you
may want to consider. Many other good children's programs
are available on public television stations and on cable
channels such as the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Limit the time that you let your child watch TV. Too much
television cuts into important activities in a child's life,
such as reading, playing with friends, and talking with
family members.

Watch TV with your child when you can. Talk with him about
what you see. Answer his questions. Try to point out the
things in TV programs that are like your child's everyday
life.

When you can't watch TV with your child, spot check to see
what he is watching. Ask questions after the show ends. See
what excites him and what troubles him. Find out what he has
learned and remembered.

Go to the library and find books that explore the themes of
the TV shows that your child watches. Or help your child to
use his drawings or pictures cut from magazines to make a
book based on a TV show.