Take for instance 24-hour kid's cable shows. When I was young, there were only certain times that kids shows were aired; right before school started, right after school ended, and on Saturday (and sometimes Sunday) mornings. NOW...kids can watch a show at any time either via cable, Netflix, Hulu, On Demand, directly from the TV websites, etc. It's daunting!
And what are writers writing about on some of these kids shows? Many of the adult characters are shown as complete idiots and the show is pretty much governed by the kids. I cringe each time my teenagers watch a show where the adult (usually a principal or a teacher) says a line that no adult would ever say. Why do writers do this? Why do they feel the need to give kids a false sense of empowerment at the expense of another character (either an adult or a peer)?
When kids watch TV with adults saying/doing stupid things and with the kid characters correcting or making derogatory comments toward the adults...well...the seeds of disrespect start to plant themselves into those viewers.
I'm not insinuating that all TV is what is making a generation of disrespectful kids. But it sure doesn't help to have stupid sounding and acting adults as the role models on some of these TV shows.
Here are some tips that we use with our kids:
- Instill in kids the habit of using positive words toward family members, friends, and neighbors.
- Set a good example of being respectful toward others by being prepared, organized, and on time for appointments.
- Kids are watching you all of the time and mimic your behavior. Be conscious of this when driving, standing in line at a store, and on the phone.
What do you think? How do you help your kids act respectfully?
