Saturday was Play Day for fans of Nickelodeon. For those of you who do not watch this particular network. Play Day means there is no regularly scheduled programming on for viewers. Since this network is designed for youthful audiences, simply put-children had to find something else to do. There was nothing on the network to view. (Except the sign that announced it was a Play Day.)
When I first learned about this trend to encourage young viewers to get out from in front of the television and go play, I thought it was a great idea. In fact, I still think that it is a great idea.
I suspect that whoever thought it up realized that the message wasn't solely designed for the children who view the station. I suspect that the adults were the target audience. Someone grown had to remind some other adult that their children needed to do something else besides watch television. Especially when watching television becomes an all day long activity.
I don't know what would of happened if my sons had the opportunity to sit and watch television all day long. That is something that they rarely opted to do. Every once and awhile there would be a reason for them to sit and spud out for the day. I admit that there are times when I find myself in front of the screen for hours on end. I also spend more time staying out from in front of the television. The quality of programming is not that great in my opinion. I pay my cable bill just to have the option of turning on my set whenever I want to.
Whoever thought up the idea of suspending programming for the day on Nickelodeon probably overheard a child telling someone that all they did over the weekend was watch T.V. I have had that conversation with children in my classroom. It always hit a nerve with me because it seems that they should of done something else. I have asked their parents if this was true. They smile and nod their heads in affirmation. As if this is the best thing that could be happening in their child's life.
It says a lot about what isn't happening in a lot of households when network executives have to remind parents that their children need a variety of things to do. One of my sista friends was lamenting like she had lost a loved one. No cartoons or favorite shows meant that she had to find something for her family to do. That was not an item on her agenda. It probably was not an item on a lot of parent's agendas.
Maybe in due time, there won't be a need for someone to remind adults that they need to be versatile and have other options for their children. Until that time arrives-all I can say is-be prepared moms and dads. Be very prepared!
3 comments:
Play is vital to the development of a child. Interacting with video games, or a kid's TV programs satisfies one side of the brain, but completely neglects the other.
As a child, I spent hours playing, much of it requiring the use of skills to develop those toys with which we played.
Money for toys was practically non-existent, as discretionary cash was practically non-existent, as it took most of the family funds to keep a roof over our heads, and to feed our hungry bellies.
And we kids all worked, as soon as we were able to, inside the home, and outside the home.
Money was scarce, and any that supplemented the family income was welcomed.
Great entry. It's refreshing to see a network place children's interest above their bottom line.
Parents, on the other hand, use the idiot box (as it's often called), to entertain kids: Our nuclear family world, and our two-parent, work-a-day nation don't encourage or permit parent/child interactions that build (no, not strong bones, and teeth), but strong character, and strong family units.
Man, I got to say I am impresses. I just wouldnt expect a network willing to dump dollars in favor of the health of kids. Two thumbs up for them.
I know about this, and yes, some parents need reminding.
However, the problem goes deeper. You have parents that have over scheduled the children's calendar, but when home watch television, movies, or play videos for hours.
The child is hardly being creative or using their God-given imagination.
More importantly where is the parent's interaction?
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