kids and Television

A modest sitting room. The ceiling fan is twirling,.

Nigerian parent sits on one of the brown sofas, legs stretched out on the table, watching a drama show on the television.

{One of the adjoining door opens}

Turns gaze away from the blaring of the television. Watches the two children approach. Picks up the remote to reduce the volume of the television set.

1^st Nigerian child: Daddy, good afternoon.

2^nd Nigerian child: Daddy, good afternoon

Nigerian parent: {eyes them speculatively. Yes. Good afternoon. So what is it?.

1^st Nigerian child: {shifts legs nervously on the tiled floor} Dad, there is a new soap opera coming up on AIT. Its broadcast every Monday to …

Nigerian parent: Soap what? {glares at them angrily} Is that what I send you to school to go and study?

2^nd Nigerian child: But dad, it is only for one hour.

Nigerian parent: You are not watching any soap opera in this house. All those bad shows will corrupt your mind. You should read your books rather than watching shows.

2^nd Nigerian child: Daddy, we are on holiday.

Nigerian parent: {infuriated}You’re not watching any soap opera. And that’s final. Go and read your books.

{Both children look at each other as they walk back to their room}

Nigerian Parent: Children of nowadays. {tunes up the volume of the television set.}

Later that evening, by 9:30 pm.

The 1^st Nigerian child stands beside the window of the house, peeping through the window at the ongoing program on the television screen. At the child’s feet, lay kitchen napkins and two large bowls. One is filled with soapy water, the other translucent.

The 2md Nigerian child stays close to the television, remote control in hand. A chemistry textbook clutched in the other hand. They both watch the soap opera drama unfold.

1^st Nigerian child looks up sharply as the gate creaks open from a distance.

1^st Nigerian child: {Whispers urgently} Someone’s coming. (dumps the napkins in the soapy water and begins to wash)

The 2^nd Nigerian child quickly switches off the television. Jumps into a chair and begins to read. Aloud.

Nigerian parent: {observes child washing}. What are you washing by this time?

1^st Nigerian child: {looks up} The kitchen napkins.

Nigerian parent: {Nods happily} That’s good. {Peeps through the window. Smiles at the other studious child} Reading. Good. Let me go back to the shop. I don’t want to disturb you..

1^st Nigerian child: (hides smirk) Okay. I’ll read as soon as I’m done washing.

Nigerian parent: That’s good. Let me go back to the shop.

1^st Nigerian child: okay. (resumes washing)

Footsteps fades away. Gate closes.

2^nd Nigerian child: {closes book. Peeps through window} Gone?

1^st Nigerian child: Yes, put on the television. You’re washing tomorrow.

2^nd Nigerian child: No problem.

End

In this digital world, it is very difficult to separate your kids from the television, laptops, TV games or phones. The child can get addicted to this media outlets if you aren't careful or watchful enough. And the effects of the media gadgets on children are not good.

Rather than restrict them; and have them do it behind your back (trust me, children are very inventive in disobedient malpractices); there are ways in which a parent can effectively navigate the media drenched world and curb the excessiveness of media addiction of your children.

1. Be a good example. If they see you watch television twelve hours a day, surely, they will gravitate towards that behaviour.

2. No television set in their bedroom. That’s just asking for trouble.

3. Before you say no. Understand what it is first. Observe, listen, ask and parent.

4. Set limited viewing times. Don’t completely restrict them. Though the media has it disadvantages, there are still some good ones. It’s easier to limit their viewing habit if they understand they can watch only one show per day. And explain why you made the decision to them.

5. View the shows alone first before determining which is appropriate for your child. You can also watch the show with the child and ask questions.

6. Ensure they know the difference between real life and television/game shows so they don’t have unrealistic fantasies playing in their head.

7. Encourage other activities. Its not only school books children use to educate themselves. Introduce board games or art supplies. You can also introduce family time together; without the intrusion of the media..

8. If you want a sure free way, then do this - Cut your cable or remove your television completely.