Despite what some people think, television time is not wasted time. In the 60s and 70s, parents and child psychologists coined the phrase “zoning out” to describe the alarmingly slack expression children seemed to get while watching TV. However, further studies have shown that this does not indicate a lack of mental activity. Just the opposite, in fact!
The slack expression comes from heightened concentration, as the developing brain focuses its energy on learning to follow stories and connect visual ideas. Some modern theories go so far as to suggest that an hour of daily television time (of age appropriate material, obviously) can be as beneficial to development as exercise and play.
Should you let the TV be your babysitter? Absolutely not. Television time can and should be bonding time for your family. Engage your little ones in discussion about what they see, what they feel, and what they think will happen next. But never be afraid to sit there and let them watch in silence. Their brains are taking it all in, and forging neural pathways they will use for the rest of their lives. Just be sure to give them the variety they need.
Worried about the cost of bolstering your DVD library? Family video coupon codes to the rescue! Family video coupons make it easy for you to keep your shelves stocked with stimulating and entertaining DVDs that the whole family can enjoy. And family video coupon codes are available all over the Internet. In fact, the entire process can be done online, from finding the codes to selecting the movie to making the purchase, so you can spend more time with the family while your new movies are shipped right to your door.
It certainly matters what you watch. But just as important is the time you spend watching it together. So never be afraid to snuggle up on the couch now and then with the kids, a bowl of popcorn, and a great movie.