Watching TV is good for your kids
Ignore the experts and switch on to this parent/child relationship supercharger
Like most parents, you’ve probably read endless articles about the perils of too much TV for your kids. You worry about how it will shorten their attention span, reduce their IQ and lead to obesity or behavioural disorders. In vain you attempt to control their set-top addiction with rules that create conflict and drive you apart.
TV is actually a powerful tool that can bring you together, unleash your collective creativity, educate you all and build shared healthy passions which create wonderful memories you’ll cherish for life.
As The Cat in The Hat said “It is fun to have fun but you have to know how.”
So, here are five simple ways for how to TV so I hope you’ll agree “It’s the right tool for me!”
1. Get the right devices and apps
Whether it’s Chromecast, Apple TV or another set-top box getting access to the right content ad-free is the foundation of great TV. YouTube Premium is worth every penny, get the family edition if you can afford it for ad-free watching on all your devices.
In New Zealand, we also have the TVNZ On-Demand app which provides free access to terrific local and regional content such as Master Chef Junior Australia. If you also have Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video or more they’re all great too as you’ll have more choice, but it’s not necessary.
Total Cost: US$12 a month for YouTube Premium in the US. It is affordable everywhere.
2. Watch it together
Being actively involved makes the magic and is the secret of great TV time.
It can be quicker than Monopoly, has no travel time or extra costs and you can watch it together in your pyjamas or uniform. It’s flexible because you can opt out any time to make a meal, take a shower or get on with chores. Once the kids are engrossed you can even secretly check your phone and they may not notice, but be careful with this as they become older and more aware.
When you are actively engaged your kids will copy you and you can steer the content choices. They will ask questions that lead down fascinating rabbit holes of content, stimulating their minds to ask questions and learn about the world around them. I like to have Fella-5 on my lap and Missy-8 seated next to me so we’re close and they can feel really physically connected. It’s hug time!
Pro Tips: Expect conflict at the start as you negotiate what to watch. Take turns choosing 10–30 minute segments of content. Be careful not to bore your kids and it’s OK to occasionally watch silly or stupid stuff.
Search for “kids <insert topic>” or “<insert topic> for kids” to find suitable content about anything from outer space and black holes to the Roman Empire or the life of bumblebees and the praying mantis.
Often I ask Fella-5 what he’d like to learn about or Missy-8 demands we watch Americas Got Talent and Among Us music videos. Give and take is the key.
3. Establish content routines
Routine makes the dream with kids. When they know what to expect the conflict melts away and you can get on with enjoying the moment.
We watch entertainment or edutainment content during weeknights after dinner because the kids have been learning all day at school, need to let off some steam and laugh. Saturday and Sunday mornings are documentaries, explainers or science experiment videos.
Bonus: While you watch TV with the kids your partner can sleep in!
We save on visits to the movies by watching them together at home. A morning spent baking brownies or making a quick bowl of popcorn can lead to a fun weekend afternoon at the “home movies” on Netflix or Disney+.
4. Springboard off the box
Monkey see, monkey do. If Yan can cook so can you!
Got Talent and MasterChef type shows where ordinary people do extraordinary things inspire my kids (and me!) during weeknights. Fella-5 has become so passionate about magic he’s now inventing his own tricks with Duplo and Missy-8 has decided she wants to be a singer so has joined the auditioned choir at school.
After stumbling upon Junior Master Chef this summer holidays it rekindled my love of cooking and the kids enjoy getting involved. Here is just a taste of the “TV dinners” we’ve made together inspired by our watching:
Missy-8 can now show the boys how it’s done and barbecue a steak. Fella-5 can chop herbs and has made lollipops which was a fun but very sticky mess!
Kids love to eat food they’ve helped make themselves, it just tastes better. A springboard off the TV has expanded our family’s culinary skills and taste buds, helped us learn about other cultures and explore the world of food.
Bonus: We’ve saved plenty on eating out and enjoyed better quality food.
The spin-offs extend outside the kitchen too.
Inspiration from the box becomes perspiration in the field. After watching cricket together this summer both the kids have taken it up as a sport, invited a friend to join the team and now I’m an assistant coach. Visits to rugby and rugby league games which used to be just about eating hotdogs and chips, cotton candy and face paint have evolved into inviting other families over to watch sports together at home and share a home-cooked meal.
5. Share, explore and grow together
Try sharing what you’re watching together right now with other parents and asking for their suggestions. You might be amazed by what you learn.
Last weekend I heard about Studio Ghibli who apparently make amazing Japanese anime movies for kids which is available on Netflix. Another friend told me about Mythbusters on Amazon Prime Video which is fantastic and we discovered a kids version called Mythbusters Jr.
If you find another family who’s into something you like why not watch it together and turn it into a weekend social event complete with a shared meal, some baking or a barbeque. After watching some sports together you could head out to the yard or park and play.
Conclusion
Integrating TV into your kid's lives positively is all about how, why and when.
Quite contrary to everything I’d read and believed now I know that when used well as a tool TV can be a way to engage and educate your kids, build their confidence, inspire them to pick up hobbies and take part in offline activities, broaden their horizons, create social opportunities, act as a catalyst for nutrition education, learn life skills and strengthen family bonds.
Transform your couch potatoes into curious kittens and watch them thrive!
