The Impact of Parents Watching TV on Their Children
Parents often wonder how their actions and habits, such as watching television, might influence their children. It's a question that deserves careful consideration, especially when it comes to setting healthy habits and boundaries for screen time. This article explores the effects of parents watching TV and how children might learn from these behaviors.
Parental Watching TV and Child Behavior
The relationship between a parent's TV viewing habits and their children's behavior is multifaceted and can vary widely depending on the circumstances. For example, consider the case of a mother who was morbidly obese and spent a significant amount of her time in front of the television, watching talk shows and reruns of classic sitcoms. While there was limited TV content available during her time, her constant screen time undoubtedly left a lasting impression on her children.
During family meals, the family would gather to watch a TV show called Hunter, followed by The Wonder Years and Miracle Worker. While the children spent quality time together, the mother's continuous TV presence was a persistent backdrop. On the other hand, the father was disapproving of this habit, often turning off the TV in the living room when the mother would retreat to her bedroom to watch. This created a different dynamic for the children, four of whom were more inclined to read books than spend time in front of the TV. Books became a central part of their upbringing, and even when children were disciplined for misbehavior, books were frequently used as a form of punishment.
Learning from Parents' Examples
Children are naturally inclined to emulate the behaviors of the adults around them. The influence of parental habits on children can be both positive and negative. If a parent consistently watches TV, the likelihood increases that their children will also become heavy viewers of television. However, this does not mean that children will always mirror these behaviors; they might also develop the opposite habit and choose to engage in other activities over screen time.
For instance, in the case of the author and his family, while the mother and sister spent a lot of time watching TV, the rest of the siblings, including the author, developed a strong affinity for reading. Even after the author started watching more TV as an adult, his son sometimes needed the TV for background noise, and the author would often tune it out. This shows that while initial behaviors might be influenced by parents, children can also choose to act in opposition to those behaviors.
Long-Term Effects on Child Development
The effects of parents' TV watching habits on their children can have long-lasting impacts. Excessive TV watching has been linked to several issues, including obesity and attention deficit. On the other hand, encouraging alternative pastimes like reading can lead to better academic performance, critical thinking skills, and a broader intellectual horizon. Understanding and mitigating these potential effects requires parents to be mindful of their own behaviors and the potential consequences they may have on their children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parents watching TV can have significant effects on their children's behavior and habits. These effects can vary and are influenced by the specific behaviors and the dynamics of the family. While it's important for parents to lead by example, it is also crucial to allow for the possibility that children will develop different habits. By being aware of these potential impacts, parents can make informed decisions about their own behavior and work towards creating a healthy balance of activities for their children.