The Parent Perspective - July/August 2007

The Parent Perspective is a monthly feature where parents tell us how their families navigate today's media-saturated environment.

This month's Parent Perspective comes from Kim in Abingdon, Virginia. Kim is the mother of Chloe (age 7) and Sophie (age 5):

As the mother of two young daughters, it seems that I am all-too-often faced with those moments throughout the day that require me to critically assess, and many times censor, the various forms of media with which our family comes into contact. The types and sources are endless today, and surprisingly, television is not as much a casualty of my direct censorship as some other forms of media often are. (I usually limit TV to children’s programming, the Disney Channel, and a few movies -- and I check all of these out as thoroughly as possible first.)

How did I become so media-aware? I took a mass communication course in college for which I was required to keep a media diary for two consecutive days around the clock, and my awareness of media was forever changed upon my completion of the project. As a Professional Communication major, I had already finished my share of media-related courses by that time. But I had not looked at my own consumption of media in quite the same way before. After reviewing my logs and contemplating the two days I spent immersed in a self-dialogue about the media around me and my relationship with it, I came to the conclusion that perhaps I was not as sophisticated and discerning in my choices as I had previously thought.

I realized that although I did not actually “watch” a lot of television, I often used the “tube” just for noise, or for company, you might say. I also realized that while I hated knowing that everyone in my life could contact me by cell phone at any time, I couldn’t seem to convince myself to turn it completely off or just leave it behind. I made other discoveries about myself as well, but I essentially found that there were countless forms of media around me that I hadn’t thought very much about before.

What does this have to do with me as a parent? Everything! My goal is to instill conscientiousness regarding media consumption in both of my daughters while they are young. I want them to be able to evaluate the messages that are affecting them and even the ones they aren’t thinking so much about. I want them to feel free to approach me with their thoughts and feelings, because these times are golden opportunities to instill those ideals that stay with them forever.

Each day, the girls and I discuss the media messages that surround us. Being aware of the ubiquitous nature of media is the first step in developing a critical eye and ear. When I see or hear something that offers up a good topic for discussion, I bring their attention to it by asking them. "What do you think this means?" "Who do you think created this message?" "Do you think they are trying to sell something?" "How does this message make you feel?"

I also try to make sure that they understand the difference between entertainment and marketing. Even the Disney Channel markets their products, games, and characters on their website, which is promoted on their television shows. I'm also concerned about new toys that have online components; I don't believe that real social skills and life lessons can be learned virtually.

My advice to other parents is to look for opportunities to discuss what your kids think about various media messages. Take the time to explain things according to your family's ideals. Seek out as much educational material as you can for promoting media literacy. I also highly recommend keeping a media journal, like the one that opened my eyes to how much media I use daily. This would be an enlightening project for parents to complete with their kids and would present an opportunity to discuss how much media your family uses.

 

If you'd like to share your own experiences or suggestions in a Parent Perspective, email us at cmch@childrens.harvard.edu