Watch Out!

We all know it --children mimic what they see. Any Hollywood or video game exec denying the impact of images with a straight face should get an Oscar. The "children's cartoons" on the "cartoon networks" should be closely screened before you let your child watch the program.  Children will, not might, will copy the interactions they see with other children.  

Violence or cursing is easy to identify, but watch out for the more subtle messages.

• How are the characters treating one another? With respect and kindness or teasing, envy and rivalry?
  
• How the adults are portrayed; are adults mocked, tricked and resented?
  

The American Academy of Pediatrics "recommends no television viewing for children younger than 2 years, and no more than 1 to 2 hours a day for older children."  Make the few programs they are allowed to watch worthy of their brilliant minds.

Here are my recommendations:

• WordWorld
  
• SuperWhy
  
• Little Bill
  
• Handy Manny
  
• Backyardigans
  
• Dora the Explorer
  
• Go, Diego Go
  
• Sesame Street (by popular demand)