"104 Days of Summer Vacation" just "Let It Go"!
5 Reasons Why I Choose To Watch Shows With My Kids
1. Bonding Time
Water cooler talk is a great way to have casual conversations with anyone that has had similar experiences. As I want to connect with my kids, I often do what they want to do and watch what they want to watch so that we can share the experience. In this way I can use these shared experiences to have inside jokes, or to lead to deeper conversations.
I have noticed that my kids feel respected when their selections are encouraged. If I choose to watch other shows when they are around, particularly ones that they are not allowed to see, then this seems to create a desire in them to watch that show.
This has some extreme implications. For this time in my life, that means that I can discuss at length the exciting adventures of Phineas and Ferb with their pet platypus, Perry, who happens to be a super spy. I even know the opening song by heart. I also will belt out the chorus of Let It Go whenever the timing is right!
By engaging in my children's world, their conversation topics all of the sudden make sense. This morning, Paxton said, "You lay down; you be Elsa."
I knew exactly what to do, in which he was Anna and we got to build a pretend snowman after he convinced me to wake up. Questions that my children often ask are from such external influences. The more that I am aware of their little world, the better I will be able to guide them in the world as it really is.
2. Envy
Who watches the watchers? My kids do. Thanks to the wonders of modern television, and the "Recently Watched" section it is clear what everyone is watching. I like the accountability that comes with this type of setup, yet at the same time, my kids can see what shows we as parents watch as well. No matter what show it is that they miss, they want to watch it or at least know about it. Further, if they are told that they are not old enough, they want to watch it all the more. Thus, I choose to watch shows with my children that I believe are age appropriate. The shows that I watch without my kids are shows that I will be happy to watch with them when they are older.
3. Accountability
Even in the shows that seem completely innocent, there may be content that needs to be discussed. A good example is when someone is being a bully on a show, I want to address that what occurred was not a way that we would want to treat someone. I cannot shelter my kids from all things bad, nor is that my goal. I want to guide them on how to make good choices, and to learn what to do when they encounter something that is inappropriate or wrong. In addition, when I am consistent with watching shows with them, I am more aware of the amount of screen time they are actually getting.
4. Truth Versus Fiction
I recently watched Star Wars with my oldest son, Jaden. He loved it. We shared in the excitement of this grand adventure. He asked me, "Dad, do you believe in The Force?" As we were watching it together, I had a perfect opportunity to discuss the differences between reality, imagination, myths and fiction. Since I knew what The Force was, this happened to lead into a great discussion about spirituality. Other simpler truths also need explanation like when it is an educational show teaching shapes in which a square is not often recognized as a rectangle. As a math teacher I must strongly object. I am an advocate for not teaching something false only to have to correct such false teaching later on.
5. Fun
Watching a kids show can be fun and silly even for adults. I like to turn my mind onto kid-mode and try to enjoy it, as if I were a kid again. Yes, this does include doing the actions requested and answering questions asked with an otherwise eerie silence. Sometimes, my adult worries seem to fade away with the joy of just living as a kid, if even for just a moment.
Written by Jay MelashenkoFather of 3 observing boys ages 3, 5 and 8
5 Reasons Why I Choose To Watch Shows With My Kids
1. Bonding Time
Water cooler talk is a great way to have casual conversations with anyone that has had similar experiences. As I want to connect with my kids, I often do what they want to do and watch what they want to watch so that we can share the experience. In this way I can use these shared experiences to have inside jokes, or to lead to deeper conversations.
I have noticed that my kids feel respected when their selections are encouraged. If I choose to watch other shows when they are around, particularly ones that they are not allowed to see, then this seems to create a desire in them to watch that show.
This has some extreme implications. For this time in my life, that means that I can discuss at length the exciting adventures of Phineas and Ferb with their pet platypus, Perry, who happens to be a super spy. I even know the opening song by heart. I also will belt out the chorus of Let It Go whenever the timing is right!
By engaging in my children's world, their conversation topics all of the sudden make sense. This morning, Paxton said, "You lay down; you be Elsa."
I knew exactly what to do, in which he was Anna and we got to build a pretend snowman after he convinced me to wake up. Questions that my children often ask are from such external influences. The more that I am aware of their little world, the better I will be able to guide them in the world as it really is.
2. Envy
Who watches the watchers? My kids do. Thanks to the wonders of modern television, and the "Recently Watched" section it is clear what everyone is watching. I like the accountability that comes with this type of setup, yet at the same time, my kids can see what shows we as parents watch as well. No matter what show it is that they miss, they want to watch it or at least know about it. Further, if they are told that they are not old enough, they want to watch it all the more. Thus, I choose to watch shows with my children that I believe are age appropriate. The shows that I watch without my kids are shows that I will be happy to watch with them when they are older.
3. Accountability
Even in the shows that seem completely innocent, there may be content that needs to be discussed. A good example is when someone is being a bully on a show, I want to address that what occurred was not a way that we would want to treat someone. I cannot shelter my kids from all things bad, nor is that my goal. I want to guide them on how to make good choices, and to learn what to do when they encounter something that is inappropriate or wrong. In addition, when I am consistent with watching shows with them, I am more aware of the amount of screen time they are actually getting.
4. Truth Versus Fiction
I recently watched Star Wars with my oldest son, Jaden. He loved it. We shared in the excitement of this grand adventure. He asked me, "Dad, do you believe in The Force?" As we were watching it together, I had a perfect opportunity to discuss the differences between reality, imagination, myths and fiction. Since I knew what The Force was, this happened to lead into a great discussion about spirituality. Other simpler truths also need explanation like when it is an educational show teaching shapes in which a square is not often recognized as a rectangle. As a math teacher I must strongly object. I am an advocate for not teaching something false only to have to correct such false teaching later on.
5. Fun
Watching a kids show can be fun and silly even for adults. I like to turn my mind onto kid-mode and try to enjoy it, as if I were a kid again. Yes, this does include doing the actions requested and answering questions asked with an otherwise eerie silence. Sometimes, my adult worries seem to fade away with the joy of just living as a kid, if even for just a moment.
Written by Jay MelashenkoFather of 3 observing boys ages 3, 5 and 8
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