This article in the Boston Globe online points to current research on the long-term impact of television viewing on children's educational success.  Here is the first paragraph:

"Children who watched more television than their peers when they were toddlers and preschoolers were more likely to have trouble when they reached fourth grade, with poorer academic achievement, psychosocial behavior, and physical well-being, a Canadian study reports."

I understand that not having cable (and thus zero television exposure) for the past seven years or so makes me ______ (fill in your choice: weird, out-of-touch, unAmerican, well-read, less stressed, ignorant of critically important information such as who is Justin Bieber anyway?)

But really, what favors does television do for children?  I've read research sponsored by the creators of "Sesame Street" and "Between the Lions" and *of course* it found benefits to watching those educational programs.  In the long run, I'm far more likely to trust the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics: no television for children under 2 and no more than 2 hours a day for children 2 and older.

If you need ideas for what to do with kids in lieu of television, check out:

Unplugged Play by Bobbi Conner

Disney's Family Fun magazine and Web site (which, I'm sorry to say, is loaded with advertisements but has some fun ideas)

An LDS list of activities for "Family Home Evening"

Or just go outside.  Or read a book.

Do something.  Just turn off the TV!

Readers: what do you do in lieu of watching TV?



Photo via Hello Beautiful , who has an actual rant about this topic.