When my kids were little, I didn't want them to watch much television. But, their friends got to watch TV, and they wanted to watch, too.
So, I videotaped them reading their picture books out loud. They'd hold the book up to the camera and read the text. (With pre-readers, a parent could read the text instead.) I also videotaped us doing science projects together.
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Wise Mom.
What a wonderful idea. I work with small children, and find that all too soon they become good consumers of everything they see in tv ads. They deserve a better childhood than that, and your idea is a wonderful way to protect them from greedy advertisers.
Best idea I've seen here yet. Your kids are so lucky!
More than "wise mom"....something incredibly brilliant I wish I'd thought of after all these years of 5 kids, now mostly adult, trying to reduce tv time! A way to be saying "YES" to desires, rather than "NO".
Re: "Actually, might still be "harm reduction' strategy for my remaining teenager, given that anything fun goes!"
Just a thought ... with teens, I'd either (simple) videotape them dancing with friends to their favorite parent-friendly music to make their own music videos, or (more challenging) let them make video documentaries or drama--which could also be posted to YouTube.
Thank you all for voting this up ... I had no idea I'd win the tip contest!
Very, very cool idea. I do think some cartoons and shows can be very educational, but they do not need to be watching it endlessly. This is an awesome alternative!
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