We can blame the failed public school system for its dumbed-down curriculum.
But we cannot blame it for the dumbing-down of our children’s minds that’s occurring in our own homes!
We are a part of the problem.
If you want to do something proactive to reverse the dumbing down of your children, it’s simple: throw out the television set (and all forms of screen-use for your kids). It will be one of the kindest things you can do for them.
At least get the screens out of sight until they are older.
Children need to be engaged in real life experiences and spend at least some of their time reading real books. Reading, by itself, will strengthen your children’s intellects.
What the Science Says
Psychologist, David F. Marks, believes that literacy levels directly affect our IQ scores based on his research. I agree with him based on common sense, no research needed.
Scientist have determined that we can increase our intelligence, and reading is one of the ways we can do. this.
Would our literacy rates increase if we all took our televisions outside and smashed them? Yes, I believe they would.
If demolishing the television leads to more reading, and more reading leads to higher levels of literacy, and higher levels of literacy leads to higher IQ’s; well, there you have it.
Therefore, unless you want to compete with the public schools for the dumbing-down of your children (and I know you don’t!), give your home a little tweak. Remove the trance-inducing screens and give your kids a book to read instead.
Another Option
Here’s another option for you: tell your children to grab their coats and shoes and go outside until dinner time. The key word is “tell”.
You are not giving your kids an option; you are commanding them to go outside. It’s not a mean thing to do; it’s actually kind. The outdoors will benefit your children and stimulate their imagination and creativity.
What’s mean is providing 70% of American children with a television in their rooms.
Wise are the parents who set boundaries for their children so the children can learn how to occupy themselves in ways that will serve them well in life.
Educational Programs
But there are educational programs on television, you say? It doesn’t matter. It’s the passive, mind-numbing act of watching television instead of the brain-developing activities that makes the difference,
The world is a fascinating place, but television’s youth today are not fascinated by it. They’re bored by real life. It’s not fast enough. It’s not exciting enough. It’s not crude, silly, or bloody enough.
“To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.”
The truth is that the lives of real men and women are fascinating. You can observe them, you can read about them, and you can live a fascinating life yourself.
Nothing you watch on television will ever beat what happens in real life with its infinite supply of comedy and tragedy; it’s unknown mysteries and endless surprises.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow stronger.”
A dependence on screens, however, can obstruct us from seeing the wonder of our majestic world and the noble potential of the human being.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
So be kind to your children and throw out the television.
If you can’t throw it out, at least ban it to some obscure corner that’s safely out of their view.
If they don’t see it; they won’t think about it.
If it is in sight, watching television will compete with everything else your children do in their leisure time. If they don’t establish good habits when they are young, the television will always win their attention.
After they are a little older, when they’ve developed a reading habit, you can let them watch something once a week. A little weekly dose will safely stave off the “forbidden apple” syndrome, but make sure they have established a good reading habit first.
It’s all about the habits. The results are in the habits.
Don’t miss our free download, Ten Books Every Well-Educated Child Should Read.
When you join the Smart Homeschooler Academy online course for parents, Elizabeth will guide you in homeschooling with the classics to raise brighter and more creative children.
Enroll using the link below and feel confident knowing you have the guidance and support you need to homeschool successfully.
For parents of children under age seven who would like to prepare their child for social and academic success, please begin with Elizabeth’s original online course, Raise Your Child to Thrive in Life and Excel in Learning.
Elizabeth Y. Hanson is a homeschooling thought-leader and the founder of Smart Homeschooler.
As an Educator, Homeschool Emerita, Writer, and Love and Leadership Certified Parenting Coach, Elizabeth has 21+ years of experience working in education.
She has developed a comprehensive understanding of how to raise and educate a child, and she devotes her time to helping parents to get it right.
Elizabeth is available for one-on-one consultations as needed.
*****
“Elizabeth has given us counseling and guidance to help us succeed with our home school planning. When I feel overwhelmed, scared, or lose my confidence, she offers words of wisdom and support.”
— Sherry B., Pittsburg, PA
