Today, not only are cartoons one of the most popular forms of television entertainment amongst children, but amongst adults too. When flipping through the many satellite TV channels available at one’s finger tips, there are many channels entirely dedicated to the art of cartoon entertainment. Even the most reputable and longstanding networks devote entire blocks of time, say on Saturday mornings, to children’s cartoons. Now, with many hit new prime time programs using the cartoon medium like ‘Family Guy,’ ‘The Simpsons,’ ‘Futurama,’ ‘South Park’ and more it has become perfectly acceptable for kids of all ages (meaning adults too!) to enjoy cartoons. There is a greater freedom when working in cartoon that creators of such programs love. Literally anything is possible and any crazy scheme can be achieved as long as it can be drawn (or computer animated) without requiring spending thousands of dollars on wild special effects. Where, though, did this idea of putting cartoons on television come from?

At first, cartoons were found mainly on movie screens. In the 1950s, however, homes began enjoying cartoon broadcasting right in the comfort of their own homes. Amongst the very first broadcast by NBC and directly produced for television was “Crusader Rabbit.” Now, although this particular bunny might not be a household name, he paved the way for characters like “Bugs Bunny” to make it big. The recent passing of cartoon artist Alexander Anderson Jr. is a reminder that some of the greatest shows on television today got their start with pioneering cartoonists.

While the credit for other Anderson creations like Rocky and Bullwinkle, the famous comedic duo of a moose and flying squirrel from fictional Frostbite Falls, Minnesota, wasn’t properly allocated to him until a 1993 lawsuit against former partner Jay Ward, today the record has been set straight. The world knows that Anderson was there at the beginning, coming up with characters such as dopey Bullwinkle, lovable Rocky, and the always befuddled Dudley Do-Right of the mounted police. This brand of produced for television cartoon with an aspect that intrigued audiences of all ages was just what television was missing. The DVDs and recordings of many Rocky and Bullwinkle shows continue to be treasured today by many fans, and new satellite TV watchers.

Where was Anderson to claim his credit for his on-screen creations when the show “Rocky and Friends” was first being pitched to the networks? At the time, says his wife, he had taken up a career in advertising. His long list of life and work experience also includes a tour with the Navy, and working for his uncle producing another early cartoon “Mighty Mouse.” When asked why a moose and squirrel, Anderson was known to say that of all animals none so begged to be caricatured as a moose, and that squirrels, unlike mice, can actually “fly.” Proving that neither high definition nor computer technology is necessary to produce a funny and timeless animated series is no easy feat, and the world as such should thank Anderson for his pioneering contributions to this exciting genre.

By: John R. Harrison

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Teen Children

Most parents would rather their child not watch television all day long. It’s not a good habit. It can take away from other things. It can make your child a bit lazy at times. It’s too passive. There are things that you can do that will help your child watch less television.

As a parent you can add some limits to how much television can be watched each day. Set a time limit for your child. This could be a certain number of hours or a certain number of shows that he or she can watch. If you come up with a limit, you need to stick with it. This not only includes watching television shows but playing games on the television also. Keep to the limit.

Don’t watch television during meal times. Many times your child will continue to sit there after the meal is over and watch even more. Instead use this time to talk to your child. In order to keep the child from watching television during meals turn it off. If you are watching television during this time then you need to set an example for your child. This would apply to you also. They learn from watching you.

Add in evening activities that your child can be doing. Your child might not have much to do. This is why he or she is watching television all the time. If there are more evening activities, your child will be doing these things instead of television. Set out times for you and your child to play games together or read together during the day.

Play with your child. Take them outside and do things with him or her. If you are active in your child’s life, they won’t be so passive doing things like watching television all the time. You need to take action because your child is not going to initiate this type of relationship with you.

Require that your child go play outside before watching a favorite program. This ensures your child will be getting the exercise that he or she needs. There is nothing wrong with something like watching television as long as it’s not effecting exercise and health.

Find hobbies for your children to do. Some of these might cost you some money and some time but these will give your child a platform to be creative and use their minds. These will help in their learning skills.

Most parents would rather their children not watch television all day long. Find out what you can do that will help your child watch less television.

By: Phil Reusch

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Parenting Toddlers

Do you eat dinner in front of the television? I’m sure plenty of us do it. I am also guessing that those of us who eat in front of the TV on a regular basis are overweight. There are a couple of reasons I say this, but the second reason I believe is the most important. Eating while watching TV is not a good idea.

The first bad reason for eating in front of the TV is simply this. If you are watching TV, you are not watching what you eat. Several studies over the years have proved that most people eat more when watching TV vs. not. In fact, the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation has evidence that even suggests the more entertaining the show, the more you eat! I’m sure many of us could admit to eating a whole bag of cookies while watching a favorite show. Eating while watching TV doesn’t necessarily make you fat though. At least not right away. This leads us to the second more important reason why you shouldn’t watch TV while eating.

The second reason is it can forge a strong association between TV watching and eating. This is what creates the long term damage, slowly adding those calories up to huge amounts of fat around the waste. It turns TV watching into a bad habit. Watching TV? What’s to eat? When I turn the TV on for he kids an almost automatic “I Want A Snack!” comes out of their mouth. It is a very similar problem that ex-smokers have. Many smokers associate going to a bar with smoking. If you are an ex-smoker having a good time at bar you may have a hard time not smoking. We need to break the association, and eat when we are hungry, not when we watch TV.

How to change the habit? You need to decide what is best for you. I know it is an issue for my family, so the main 3 meals for sure have to be at the table with TV off. Giving a child a candy snack in front of a TV is completely pointless. Within 5 minutes they will be asking you for another. Our trick, giving them fruit. If you want to watch TV, and eat you can only have fruit or vegetables. Leave the special snacks for the table as well. They will like them more, and stop bugging for more. In fact, studies show, they will eat less! Poll: Where do you eat dinner?

By: Robert Campbel

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Student Loan Consolidation

One of the newer cutting-edge examples of television that does more than ever before is the ground-breaking BabyFirstTV, a channel available only on satellite TV. Worried about commercials? There are none, meaning that relieved parents don’t have to worry if they’re trying to provide a fun and forward-thinking educational tool for their young children. Toddlers worldwide are learning their alphabet, grammar, and numbers through this channel’s programming, which is focused on educating children three years old and younger.

Don’t feel bad as a parent for being sick of endless viewings of Madagascar or too much Dora the Explorer. With a variety of programming and different shows from around the world, you can get a break from your child’s current favorites, while ensuring that there are enough options that he or she will never run out of new educational programming to love. It’s simply not enough to have a movie package that includes children’s movies to watch every so often. If you really want to treat the television as an educational tool, you need to move beyond the options that regular channels offer and branch out.

Not only do the number of different shows on this channel help parents not get tired of hearing the same songs and stories, they help children learn more. There’s really something to be said about programming not designed to sell advertisements, too. You can rest assured that the only agenda here is learning and education, even if that happens to be happening from your HD screen and not the pages of a book. New technology can be just as educational and informative as the old methods for education, and these shows really do prove it.

Even babysitters and parents will be surprised at the amount of depth and variety in programming, no small feat considering this is television made for very young children. How else would families in the States know about a little Scottish show called Squeak! where three mice named Tizzy, Toot, and Tog who live in the Tick Tock Clock spend their time singing and playing games that teach everything from math to vocabulary. The show was so popular in Europe that critics were saying it was the next Teletubbies.

Are mom or dad feeling a little guilty for spending too much time in front of their HD television set? This is a great way to make sure that the whole family is getting good use out of the satellite tv programming, from the big game on Sunday to movie nights on Fridays and now a chance for even the youngest to have some shows of their own to watch. Not just to watch, but to learn, too.

By: John R. Harrison

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Baby Showers

If your like me you probably watched a lot of TV when you were a child. Your mum may have even told you not to watch too much TV because it will “rot your brain”.

Well my mum used to say that to me, but as a child I never really gave it much thought. And like most things she told me, I usually just forgot about it or ignored it. Oh how good it was to be young and care free!

However later in life, I actually found out there was a lot of truth behind the saying that TV rots the brain. In fact, I found out it does a lot worse!

For example, did you know that watching TV puts you into a hypnotic state, where your mind can then be easily influenced? This can then influence how you perceive and view the world, whilst also changing the way you act and behave around other people.

Or how about this, watching TV causes the body to release chemicals called endorphins, which can result in you becoming physically addicted to TV. Just like you were on a drug! This is why so many people find it hard to give up TV for long periods.

In addition to this TV can also reduce your intelligence, as your brain becomes virtually idol when watching TV. In fact your brain is more active during sleep, than it is when watching TV!

The more and more I began to research TV and its effects on the mind and body, the more shocked I became. The things I listed were just a few examples, and believe me, there are many more effects TV has on you!

However most people would never in a million years think that TV could be causing them harm. I mean, it doesn’t hurt watching it, but physical pain doesn’t always have to be experienced when something is bad for you.

The worrying aspect of this is that many parents sit their children in front of the TV all day long. Often as a “virtual babysitter”, because it keeps the kids quite. I don’t blame them. Parenting can be hard work, however if something is harming my children, I would rather be aware of it no matter how uncomfortable it made me feel.

There was actually a studies released awhile ago, which recommended that children under 2 should not be exposed to any TV at all. And those over 2 should only receive at most 1 hour. This was how harmful TV was considered to be on children, especially young children whose brains are still in the developing stages and therefore more sensitive to the effects of TV.

So next time you sit down to watch TV bear in mind the harmful effects it has on your brain, and consider reading a book instead. It’s much better for you!

By: Mark David Peters

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Fetal Development

YES! I did mention the television in that title. In some areas the television is considered a no-no by caring parents due to the stigma attached to some kids being ‘babysat’ by the television. However, by ensuring your toddler is entertained then you can stave off the dreaded toddler tantrums. This is just one of the methods that can help toddlers look after their parents a little better!

It is not all about parking your child in front of the childrens channel, but more about parent and toddler taking some time together and understanding a little more about the world around them. If something is powerful enough to grasp your toddlers attention then it has got to be something you want to know more about – right!

It could be a feature film DVD from Disney or sitting together to watch an episode of Sesame Street. Whatever it is be sure to talk about:

The characters – that appear in the episode, their colours, voices, hair, clothes, world. The world – why is it different or special and what is similar to your toddlers own world The action – childrens TV is always full of activity and story, explore it with your little one Their Favourite – ask your toddler about which is their favourite character or programme – and why!

By taking the time and investing in understanding more about the things that entertain you can avoid the toddler tantrum. You will learn a lot and your little one will benefit in lots of ways from having your time, attention and interest.

By: R. A. Morgan

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Phantom of the Opera

Discipline and following a healthy schedule of activities are some of the most difficult tasks of single parents. When your child comes to a certain age where Dora the Explorer or Barney become his constant companion, getting your child away from the television and into other, more healthy activities will become much harder than you think. A busy single parent may just easily overlook this tiny disciplinary matter and relinquish parental control over to the television. What single parents don’t know is that becoming television-dependent could be intellectually, emotionally and socially damaging to your child.

A child should accumulate as much significant learning from his natural environment and from interactions with other children and older figures. Being glued to the television simply limits these activities. While it is true that moderate amount of child-friendly television shows develop the spacial and aural abilities of your child, too much television can also impair the other aspects of your child’s mental development and total, wholistic growth of your child.

What can a busy, single parent do to help limit her child’s time in front of the television without the usual resistance of tantrums from the child?

1. Keep household televisions in rooms where your child have no access in. Keeping your television in your locked room prevents you child from watching television without your supervision.

2. Make television a reward for your child and not as a common commodity in the household where he or she can easily turn to when bored. Allow him or her an extra fifteen minutes of watching television if he or she turns in an extra-neat homework or if he or she brings home a star in his or her art class.

3. Allow your child only at least three specific children’s program every week that he or she can watch with you. Make them plot out or plan a schedule on when they can watch these shows.

4. Avoid making the television as a background music or sound when eating or dining with your child. Most parents often do this to block out the silence in the house, and thus, in the process, they teach their child to turn to television to more unnecessarily than they should be. Instead, play classical music or children’s nursery rhymes in the background if the need be. Better yet, teach your child the value of silence and introspection once in a while.

5. Avoid using the television for relaxation. Instead, turn to other alternatives such as reading a book along with your child or do some easy crafts together.

Children’s formative years are crucial and more than anyone, parents – and not
televisions – should play their vital roles well, if we are to grow healthy and happy children.

By: JB Anthony

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Make Money ONline

With the advance of technology, electronics have become an essential part of our lives. Children are born into a world of technology. They can not fathom life without it. From televisions to computers, children are receiving a great deal of cognitive stimulation. They are less inclined to toss a ball, jump rope, play tag, or engage in some physical activity on a daily basis. Although technology is helping to stimulate the mind, keeping the body active is also important. Young children need physical games and activities to promote gross motor skills and a healthy lifestyle.

In the primary years of education, gross motor skills are tested and the progress is charted. Children who participate in active play have a better chance of performing well on these assessments. They develop better control over their bodies in the areas of agility, coordination, and balance. These skills can be supported by a variety of activities, such as jumping rope, skipping, catching and throwing balls or other objects, climbing, and balancing. Achieving success in physical activities and gaining an understanding of spatial awareness can help the child gain self-confidence.

In addition to gross motor skills, active play can also be beneficial to the long-term health of a child. It helps develop large and small muscles, as well as release energy and stress. Children learn to enjoy physical activity. Participation in active play can lead to involvement in sports, and develop their interests in a wide range of areas. They can join a team sport or get involved in an activity that relies on individual performance, such as swimming, track, or martial arts. Unfortunately, obesity among children is on the rise. Although nutrition is a major factor in controlling weight, physical activity is equally important. Children who are not active are more likely to develop health problems as they progress through life. Active play helps provide a foundation for a lifetime of physical activity.

With the prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) among children, active play becomes extremely important to their mental and physical health. They need an outlet to release excess energy. Research suggests that active play enhances brain function, and can alleviate some of the impulsiveness related to ADD. It also has a positive effect on memory and learning. Young children thrive on a balance of academics and physical activity. They flourish into confident and healthy adults when active play is integrated into their childhood development.

By: Kimberly McCune

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Foreign Exchange

The television is often the center of entertainment in nearly every home in America. Some lucky children, even have their own television in their room, so they can watch their favorite shows, whenever they choose. Parents can get some housework done, or watch their favorite television program while their young one is in one spot and staying out of trouble.

That is all great, but what do you do when you want to talk with the child, and they are so involved in the television, they block you out? Do you get frustrated? Probably, but there are a few strategies you can try before you assume the child is blatantly ignoring you.

Children are not quite as multi-tasked as adults and literally may not hear you when you call them. Their attention is on the television and nothing else. Step closer to them and call their name. Standing in the next room is futile and will only heighten your frustration level.

Get down to their eye level and call their name. Gently touch their shoulder to get their attention. This is a sign of respect and the child will appreciate the gesture. Remember, children learn from their parents, so they will model your behavior when they want to get your attention in the future.

If neither of those strategies worked, calmly turn off the television or place it on mute. Give the child a few seconds to refocus their attention on you before beginning to talk.

Keep in mind, even if your child acknowledges you with a “what” or simply nodding their head, they are still not hearing you. Your job as their leader, is to ensure they are giving you their full attention while you are speaking.

Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your child’s out-of-control and defiant behavior without using Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or Rewards?

By: Jason K Johnson

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Fetal Development