Don’t worry, this isn’t a piece advocating for more family time or pushing the “limit screen time” agenda. I’m not suggesting we steer clear of technology altogether; that’s unrealistic in today’s world. In fact, I support online engagement, and we integrate it into our daily lives.
I’m not against YouTube either. I even have my own channel, and my child has one too! But let’s be real: We can’t escape YouTube or electronics. However, when our kids are still forming their judgment and decision-making skills, it’s crucial to consider what influences we allow into their lives.
The Convenient Babysitter
Honestly, I sometimes rely on YouTube as a digital babysitter for my 5 and 2-year-olds. It’s incredibly convenient—I can tidy up, cook, or handle work tasks with minimal interruptions. But when YouTube is taken away, especially during long car rides or when the tablet dies, the “gimmies” emerge. The whining increases, and their sense of entitlement skyrockets.
I started paying attention to these changes and observed that the attitude shift often correlated with my 5-year-old’s unrestricted access to YouTube, including YouTube Kids.
When I removed YouTube for a week, the behavioral transformation was astonishing. Respectful interactions returned, the “gimmies” lessened, and the whining quieted down. Coincidence? Perhaps. But it felt significant.
Children and YouTube: The Stars of the Show
Many kids on YouTube exhibit behaviors that are less than ideal: talking back, whining, and getting their way through complaints—all while their parents seem to enable this behavior. Why? Because it’s profitable. Yes, it’s true that some YouTube content creators earn money from these antics.
Children, especially at a young age, are absorbing the lessons of independence and testing boundaries. When they repeatedly watch peers assert their desires by saying things like, “I want this, and I’m getting it,” they start to emulate those behaviors.
- An endless array of toys
- “I want to go to McDonald’s!” – Sure thing!
- “I don’t want to, Mommy!” – No problem, it’s your choice.
Influence is Inescapable
Our young ones are highly impressionable; they learn by observing. When they see children on screen misbehaving and still receiving rewards, what do you think they internalize? I could explain life lessons to them daily, but when they watch the same videos portraying undesirable behavior, my words may fall on deaf ears.
So What Should They Watch?
You might be wondering, “What should my kids watch, then?” That’s entirely up to you as the parent—the decision-maker in your household. If you appreciate the convenience of YouTube, consider curating the content. Is it educational programming? Engaging science experiments? Storytelling?
Your choices matter. This isn’t about one-upping other parents; it’s about being mindful of the influences in your child’s life. I plan to continue allowing my kids to use YouTube, but I will be more discerning about their viewing options. After our week-long break, I reintroduced educational videos, and to my surprise, they loved learning about math!
The “Perfect” Parent Debate
Some may argue, “It’s all about parenting! We should teach our children what’s right and wrong.” I wholeheartedly agree. But why not address these influence issues proactively instead of trying to remedy them later? Small steps can lead to significant changes.
Of course, you might encounter parents who claim, “I always monitor what my child watches.” That’s great! It means you’re engaged and care about your child’s well-being. My goal is to share what I’ve learned in my own experience, encouraging us to become more aware of the influences shaping our children’s lives.
In conclusion, let’s focus on understanding who and what is teaching our children about life, ensuring that we guide them toward positive influences.
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