There have been many excellent replies w/many valid points, particularly regarding what is being watched and regarding the amount of influence we as parents can have on our children. As one who hasn't had access to TV in the house for over 10 yrs now, I am stunned at times at how much time people spend (adults and children) watching it. If the adults in the household are spending most of their spare time in front of the TV, no matter what the content of the programs being watched, how can they expect the kids to know or do any differently? I am not against watching it per se but am saddened that the majority seem to automatically reach for that remote rather than turn to other pursuits for entertainment or to unwind or to stretch their minds. I find it particularly shocking when a TV is on pretty much every waking hour in the household, no matter who is up and about or whether they have company, etc. Then it seems more like a drug to me...such a part of life or the background noise that they just can't imagine any kind of life w/o it. What is THAT telling our kids? To me TV is often a barrier to communication w/others when it is on so much, too...like one's focus on the TV is more important than one's focus on or communication w/others who are present. Just a couple of side observations.

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Communication is the key.