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Hey, you didn’t forget about that nasty summer spike in kids’ TV watching, did you? We know, we know, it’s not easy, what with heat waves and Avatar mini-marathons. But just in case your kids are beginning to take root on the couch, we’ve got a few words of encouragement as you pry them loose.
And not from us this time. From Dr. David Walsh, founder and president of the National Institute on Media and the Family. Because, well, sometimes we all need a little outside perspective.
Get it? Outside perspective? Because your kids really should be spending time outside instead of…Oh, forget it. Just check out this little PSA. We’re digging the video camera idea.
Summer is the time for picnics, cookouts, outdoor fun and family gatherings. But it also brings days when there is “nothing to do.” Those days are the ones when media becomes the fall back child care option. If we’re not careful those “nothing to do” days start to stack up one after another and screen time escalates. That’s why it so important to plan kids’ summer media carefully so it doesn’t become the dominant or default activity.
I tell parents to watch two things: quantity and quality. Make sure electronic screens are only a part of kids’ days and make sure what they are watching is appropriate for their age. Check the ratings and look for recommendations at the Smart Television Alliance.
If your kids would rather watch TV or play a video game than play outside, it’s time to reintroduce them to the great outdoors. Check your paper for local park activities. Or let your kids plan their own nature hunt in your own backyard. You might want to suggest building a mini-golf course or staging their own Olympic Games. Getting kids active often just means letting them activate their own imaginations and creativity. One way to combine screens and outdoors is to let your kids film their own short movie—only it has to be done outdoors.
Summer goes by all too quickly. There’s never a better time for kids to be outside and families to enjoy summer activities together. For lot of summer activity ideas, family friendly media tips, and alternatives to television check out our MediaWise Summer Parent Guide.
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