Thursday, June 10, 2010

Your Kids Are Stupid

I have never understood the thought process that goes through some parents' heads. I always thought that it would make more sense when I became a parent, that maybe I'd understand, but no.

If you havent' met already, please allow me to introduce you "qubo," NBC's three hour block of Saturday morning children's programming. Here is quote from their bio on Twitter: "qubo is a TV and online service that promotes literacy, positive values and healthy living for children and families! " There are several things wrong with this statement.

Hmmm...what could possibly promote literacy more than three hours of television? I know! Turn off the damn TV and take your kids to the library! My son is two, and obviously can't read, but the library is one of his favorite places in the world. Why? Because books are awesome! As I've said before, imagination is not evil. Now, parents, I understand that you're all very busy and have your own stuff to do. I completely understand the temptation of using the "instant babysitter" called television. In fact, I've been guilty of it several times. But the truth is television doesn't want your kids to read, it wants them to watch more television (that's how they make money).

A child cannot learn positive values from television. Values (both positive and negative) are taught by parents, from day one, whether they realize that they're teaching them or not. Children have an amazing capacity for learning, especially when they're infants and toddlers. Most of what they learn comes from their parents, so lead by example. A talking, computer-generated starfish is not going to teach your child the difference between right and wrong. That's your job.

Watching television is not normally considered as part of a healthy lifestyle. Ask a doctor. If you want your child to be truly healthy, I have some advice. Turn off the damn TV! Take your kids for a walk, take them to the park, or just run around the house like crazy people. If you want your child to get some exercise while watching TV, you should get them one of those electric belts that works your abs while you sit. Your kid will have a wicked six-pack, but he'll still be an idiot.

People always tell me that I'm lucky to have such a well-behaved, smart little boy. I'd like to think that his mother and I have a lot more to do with that than luck.

1 comment:

  1. You need to be a newspaper columnst. Your thoughts and opinions are AWESOME!

    ReplyDelete