Make wise choices for television programming

Making wise choices for our children's television time is once again in the news as an important idea to be considered. All of the recent violence that our country has experienced in the past few months has sparked new reminders that the programs that our children are exposed to on television are definitely an influence on behavior. New research has come to the forefront that proves that violent television programs and video games can cause violent behavior.

Busy parents do use television as a baby-sitter. This can still be an acceptable habit if wise choices for programs are chosen. You don't always have to limit your child's choices to only the ABC's or numbers. There are hundreds of favorite characters now that teach social skills, responsibility, getting along with others, and friendship in fun episodes that children can relate to their everyday lives. Sharing, everyday challenges that children will encounter, and honesty are also part of many episodes that are offered for good children's programming.

The library is also a great place to rent DVD's that center around favorite characters from tv episodes. The children's librarian at Gulf Gate Library in Sarasota is very helpful in helping parents choose from a huge variety of children's programming DVD's. Parents may bring a wish list to the library and the children's librarian will be happy to help you find your choices and make suggestions for other great choices. The Gulf Gate Library is currently located in the Westfield Mall area at Beneva Road and US-41. The library has temporarily relocated so that a new library can be constructed at the former site.

We have a wake-up call in our country to make wise choices for our children's viewing. We have become complacent at times and think that our children will be ok even if they watch just a little violence. You can begin now to start new habits with your children and introduce better choices for viewing.