I’ve come to realize that it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace the idea of watching television as a valuable activity. The American Academy of Pediatrics often vilifies screen time, especially for children under a certain age, suggesting that kids under two should steer clear of TV entirely. It makes you wonder if those recommending such guidelines have ever spent an entire day alone with a lively toddler.
My focus, however, is on older children—those capable of handling the many remotes needed to operate our TV and make their own viewing choices. For years, I’ve heard society lament our excessive TV habits, but I couldn’t disagree more. Television is a remarkable medium, and I will advocate for it fervently. Yes, there’s an abundance of low-quality content out there, including shows unsuitable for kids and adults alike. Nonetheless, TV remains a treasure trove of stories and creativity, and I cherish it deeply.
I often joke that TV played a significant role in my upbringing. I mean no disrespect to my parents, but it was undoubtedly a major influence in shaping who I am today. With a hint of nerdiness, I’ll confess that shows like Star Trek profoundly impacted my heart, mind, and spirit. I eagerly consumed episodes of M*A*S*H, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hill Street Blues, and The Twilight Zone. These shows, along with others like The Brady Bunch, WKRP in Cincinnati, and Roseanne, accompanied me through childhood and the often tumultuous teenage years.
I also watched my fair share of less-than-stellar programming—shows that were admittedly terrible yet still entertained me. The Facts of Life, The Love Boat, and even I Dream of Jeannie were part of my viewing experience. I was aware of their shortcomings; I knew that Bewitched was silly. I often thought how lucky Darrin was to be married to the incredible Samantha, who should have used her magic to handle household chores. Despite recognizing the formulaic nature of these shows, I found immense joy in the storytelling they provided.
Today, we are in a golden age of television. Renowned filmmakers are now creating exceptional content for TV, resulting in a diverse array of programming available on various platforms. Our kids no longer have to adhere to rigid programming schedules, thanks to options like TiVo, Netflix, Hulu, and Roku.
My children don’t equate what they see on television with reality any more than they believe that demigods exist because they read Percy Jackson. They can discern the difference, just as I could at their age. My daughter, now 7, is currently captivated by The Brady Bunch, while my 11-year-old son has discovered The X-Files. They both enjoy Phineas and Ferb and The Simpsons, and they happily watch the Food Network with me, particularly shows like Worst Cooks in America and Chopped. When my son expressed a desire to live in a town like that in Gilmore Girls, I felt a surge of pride. They explore a wide range of content, from their generation’s shows to those from the past, and as long as what they choose is suitable—which rules out Dora and Adam Sandler—I often join them.
Television enriches their understanding of the world, offering perspectives beyond our small town and daily encounters. I appreciate that they have the autonomy to select what they wish to watch. While I sometimes suggest it’s time to take a break from sitting still, I will never claim that watching TV is the issue because it is not. In fact, watching TV is a wonderful experience, and I will gladly champion it.
For further insights on family planning and home insemination, you may want to check out this resource. Also, if you’re looking for expert advice on conception, consider this informative article. Additionally, this blog offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, I don’t impose restrictions on my children’s screen time because I believe that television can be an enriching experience. It opens up new worlds and ideas, fostering creativity and imagination. As long as they are discerning in their choices, I see no harm in their enjoyment of this medium.