Attention deficiency disorder (ADD) or attention deficiency and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might not kill you, but its adverse effects could last a lifetime. While there are various possible inborn causes for ADHD, letting your child watch too much television at an early age can also increase the chance of your child having this condition. In conclusion, television do contribute to ADD and ADHD.

What is ADD or ADHD?

As the causes for ADD or ADHD are unknown, all children are vulnerable to this condition. When your child has ADD or ADHD, he may suffer from difficulties with concentration, impulsiveness, memory recall, organization, following instructions, and of course, attention and hyperactivity.

There is also no known cure for ADD or ADHD, although there are available medications and treatments in the market to help people manage their condition. Nevertheless, children who have been diagnosed of having ADD or ADHD should expect their condition to stay with them in their lifetime.

The Role that Television Plays on ADD or ADHD

Although people had initially rejoiced at the wonderful invention of the television in 1928, it was gradually perceived in an increasingly negative light as its effects on children became clear.

Watching too much television had been commonly blamed for causing children to become lazy, obese, and violent. The term “couch potato” was coined in reference to individuals who seem never to leave the couch because of watching too much television. These “couch potatoes” are then prone to becoming lazy and increasing weight because of their sedentary choice of hobby.

People, especially children, are also prone to copy what they see and that’s why watching violent films or programs frequently can give also give them violent tendencies.

These are not, however, the only negative effects caused by watching too much television. Researchers have also discovered that watching too much television for children between one and three years old can lead them to suffer from attention problems when they turn seven or enter primary school. It also increases chances by ten percent for kids developing ADHD.

Tips for Balancing Television Exposure to Avoid ADD or ADHD

Your child doesn’t need to lead a completely television-free existence for the rest of his life, but you do need to monitor the hours he consumes for television each day to decrease chances of ADD or ADHD from occurring.

Doctors agree in saying that television exposure is not beneficial for children below two years old. In this phase of your child’s life, he should focus on developing and honing his physical and mental abilities, both of which could be greatly hampered by early television exposure.

Do not use the television set as a substitute nanny. Television may keep your child still and safe within your house for long hours, but it’s doing him more harm than good. If you don’t have time to entertain or take care of him, hire a real nanny who could entertain your child by reading books, playing interactive academic games, and various hobbies and craft activities.

You can start letting your child watch television between ages three and five. In fact, television exposure at this age can lead to improved scholastic performance, provided you let him watch the right programs of course.

Be aware of what your child is watching on television. While most parents categorize programs according to content and value, you should also consider the show’s editing and pacing. Sometimes, television shows are made of incredibly fast edits and scene progression that your child ends up focusing completely on the show. It doesn’t mean he understands everything, but it definitely holds his attention.

This process is called orienting reflex, and it could make your child become impatient, bored, and frustrated when they are confronted by inevitable delays in the real world.

Thus, it’s important to exert your control and authority early on as regard to what and when your child should watch television. Avoid letting him watch programs that are not only violent in nature but also uses too much orienting reflex in their editing.

Last and most importantly of all, spend quality time with your child so he won’t need to resort to the television for entertainment all the time. Constantly test and hone his attention and focus skills through games and teach him the importance of interaction with other kids. This way, television won’t cause ADD or ADHD to develop.

By: Nathalie Fiset

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A week ago, my good friend and personal life coach, visited me from out of town. It was an exciting time for us because we have been coaching each other for over two years, but we had never met face to face. We enjoyed a wonderful time together at the Hearts at Home mom’s conference, and even had time to spend an evening at home with my family. Once Debbie was settled back at home, we had a conversation about her experience with my family. She made a comment about my teenager that took me by surprise.

Debbie said, “Kai is very perceptive. He is listening to everything that is going on.” I thought about the time she interacted with Kai and remembered that the majority of the time, Kai was in a different room on the computer. The rest of us were in the family room talking and watching our wedding video. I know that Debbie is highly intuitive so I certainly did not discount her perception. It got me thinking about how closely are children are watching and listening to us. So listen up and stay alert. It’s not always the words we say to our children that communicate our most powerful messages.

Our most basic form of communicating with our children is in the words we say to them. “Suzi, please turn off the TV and do your homework now.” “Hey, great job on your spelling test!” “How’s your friend Tommy doing?” What we say to our children is important, and no doubt necessary, if we are going to have a relationship with them. Sometimes we say just the right words like “I love you”, but others times we don’t. Out of anger or frustration, we make hurtful comments that stick like glue to our children. Out of haste and business, we fall into a pattern of not communicating enough positive words. Our focus becomes about issuing commands or reprimands. We lecture with too many words and our children turn us off. For one week, try to notice all the great behaviors your children are displaying, and use your words to praise them.

How we say our words communicates much to our children. The same words said in a playful and loving tone can mean something very different when said in an angry or irritated tone. Sometimes when I am talking to my teenager, I am trying to communicate helpful words. But when my undertone is laced with fear or frustration, he does not feel encouraged. As a matter of fact, he feels criticized.

This is why it is important to realize when we say our words is critical to our communication with our children. Timing is everything. Communicating when you do not have control of your emotions is an example of poor timing. Hold your tongue, count to 10, and wait until you are calm. Sometimes as parents, we are calm, but our children are not. Maybe they’ve had a bad day or they are in the middle of a frustrating moment. Ask yourself whether this is the best time to say what you want to say. Sometimes waiting until the storm blows over can make a world of difference in how are words are received.

Have you ever been on the phone with a friend sharing something about your day? You forget that Joey is in the next room listening to every word you say. In the next moment, Joey chimes into the conversation, asking for clarification on what or who you’re talking about. Now, you can use this form of communication as a positive reinforcement for your child. When talking to Grandma, tell her what a great job Maggie is doing with potty training. Believe me, Maggie will hear you. However, if you don’t want your children to receive your words, be careful when you are talking to other people and your children are within earshot.

The things we don’t say are powerful communicators to our children. Sometimes we don’t say enough positive and encouraging words to our children. What is this telling our children? Other times we don’t communicate something important to our children, like letting a judgmental comment they make pass us by. What are we teaching our children in this moment? The things we don’t say can work in a positive way as well. If our children make a mistake, and you see the effects if has on them, sometimes saying nothing at all is the best way to handle things. By choosing not to lecture them, you allow your children to feel and suffer the natural consequences that come from making this mistake. Often times, we want to rescue our children and save them from feeling pain, but this does not teach them valuable lessons they sometimes need to learn.

The actions we take and the choices we make say a lot to our children. Whether it’s a sigh, a roll of the eyes, or a lie we tell a stranger on the phone, our children are watching and listening. You know the saying, “Actions speak louder than words”. I was born and raised in Missouri – the Show Me State. Words mean nothing if they are not backed by actions. Show your children how you want them to behave. Show your children that you love them. Show your children what you want them to value in life. By being their role model, you are communicating your expectations to them.

The other night my five year old was lying down in bed with me. He knows my routine by my actions. He asked me how much longer I was going to read. I told him I was finishing up the last two pages of a chapter and then I was going to turn off the light. He said to me, “Okay, I am going to fall asleep after you say your prayers”. In a very subtle, but powerful way, I have communicated to my child that God and prayer are important.

What do you want to communicate to your children? Think about what you say, how you say it, when you communicate, the words you don’t say, and your behaviors. These are all ways you can send heartfelt and encouraging messages to your children.

By: Lori Radun

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It is essential for children to get love and attention from their parents. It is difficult for parents to know how to show love and attention to their children sometimes. In many families, the only thing that brings them together is gathering around the television screen. This is not an interactive way to spend time with one another and should not be considered your only choice for quality time. Instead, consider three other creative options to use when spending quality time with kids.

The first option to consider is getting involved in wood arts and crafts. Kids love to use their hands as well as their imaginations. Seeing the results of their hard work and imagination are enough to make any child want to step away from the television and spend more time with mom and dad. If you are not the handiest person around, that is nothing to worry about. There are many ways to get involved in craft classes that you can experience together with your child.

Something else that will work well is to cook with your kids. Whether you are a father or a mother with a son or a daughter, everyone loves to eat. Find a recipe of something that you’ve never tried before or even better, something that you’ve tried and loved. You children are sure to be excited to help in the kitchen and the end result will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The final suggestion for spending quality time with your kids is to plan an adventure. Children love to have things to look forward to and exploring the world is no exception. You can plan a trip that is as short as to the local museum, or if your budget permits, you can have them plan out a road trip to a destination of your choice. Sparking children’s creativity while spending time bringing out their personalities will do wonders for your relationship now and for years and years to come.

By: Ryan Coisson

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Technology has made it possible for you to watch satellite TV on PC. This is a dream fulfilled for some. Not long ago, people are still arguing and torn between the two choices – satellite TV and cable TV. While the competition is carrying on, we will take a closer look at these two major entertainment titans and compare them before deciding if we should take up either one or maybe to watch satellite TV on PC would be our choice.

Before we look at the option to watch satellite TV on PC, let us try to understand the background of satellite TV and cable TV. There are clearly two groups of TV viewers, one of them who are subscribers of cable TV, while the other watch satellite TV. Satellite television has always been thought to be more outstanding in terms of TV program quality. Cable TV on the other hand has so far gained an upper hand in terms of TV package pricing. One common grouse of satellite TV viewers is its complicated and not so easy satellite dish installation. To set up the satellite TV, you need to install a satellite dish of suitable size, receiver, cabling, mount and other equipment in order to start receiving satellite TV programs. Fortunately since most satellite service providers also provide free satellite dish installation as part of the package you subscribe for, it saves a great deal of trouble for satellite TV subscribers.

In terms of its availability in different geographical states, both are almost equal. Satellite TV viewers sometimes complain about the occasional disruptions in the TV transmission during bad weather conditions but just in case you are thinking cable TV viewers are spared, they are not either. This flaw is a common issue both groups of TV viewers have to contend with. This effectively levels the playing field for the two titans.

Satellite TV and cable TV are expected to continue to compete in terms of availability of service, quality and selection of TV programs and pricing. But in the midst of it, statistics are revealing that satellite TV is fast growing to become the choice of many viewers. Other than local TV entertainment, satellite TV viewers are pampered with a wide selection of entertainment, information, movies and traditional channels of satellite TV. Anyone can get to watch any program from world news, comedy to TV series, sports games and events and science documentaries using satellite TV. Your children would be entertained by the educational kids channels and cartoons.

These are essentially the two most widely accepted ways to watch TV. You might not be aware but to watch satellite TV on PC is like bringing the best out of the two popular TV entertainment methods. With a broadband internet connection, a computer that can be a desktop or laptop and proprietary PC satellite TV software installed onto your PC, you can instantly watch satellite TV on PC within minutes. This totally eliminates the need for complicated installation of the satellite dish system.

As you know, broadband internet connection is seldom interrupted and this also means that your TV viewing experience would not be interrupted and the TV picture quality is unlikely to experience distortion. You no longer have to miss any exciting episode of your favorite TV show because of a broken transmission of the TV feeds. One greatest benefit to be mentioned is the cost to watch satellite TV on PC. The only investment you are going to fork out is the one-time software cost in order to watch satellite TV on PC.

Looking at the many benefits that PC satellite TV has to offer, this modern TV viewing mode looks set to take the crown in the TV entertainment industry. Read up my satellite TV blog on more information about the software that has enabled many TV viewers to watch satellite TV on PC.

By: Davion Wong

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Do you watch too much Television? Are you concerned about the effect Television watching may be having on your family? Here are some suggestions that may help you keep your Television watching under control.

1 FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU WATCH

It is wise to analyze your Television watching habits to see if changes should be made. Keep a diary for a week or so, writing down how much time you spend on Television watching. You may also want to list the programs that you watched, what you learned, and how much you enjoyed these programs. The main thing, though, is to calculate how much time you spend on Television watching. You may be surprised at what you find. Just knowing how much your life is devoted to Television watching may move you to make charges.

2. REDUCE YOUR TELEVISION WATCHING TIME

Try to do without Television watching for one day a week, a whole week, or a month. Instead you may want to set limits on the time spend on Television viewing each day. If you cut Television watching by half hour each day, you will have an extra 15 hours every month. Use that time, in meaningful activities, such as; pursuing spiritual interest, reading a good book, or spending time with family and friends. Studies have shown that people who do little Television watching enjoy it more than people who watch a lot of it.

3. REDUCE CHILDREN’S TELEVISION WATCHING TIME.

One way to reduce Television watching is to move the Television out of the bedroom. Children who have Television in their room spend nearly one and half hour on Television watching than children who do not. Further, when a Television is in a youngster’s room, parents do not know what the child is viewing. Parents and couples will find out that they will have more time for each other if they move the television out of their bedroom too. Some, by choice, have decided not to have a television in the home at all.

4. REDUCE WHAT YOU WATCH

There are, of course, many good programs to see. Rather than surfing through the channels or watching whatever comes on, check the listings in advance to select, the programs you want to watch. Turn the television on when the program you have chosen begins and turn the television off when it is over. Or instead of watching a program when it is aired, you may wish to record it for later viewing. That will make it possible to watch at a more convenient time and to fast-forward through commercials.

5 BE SELECTIVE

You will probably agree with me that many television characters are just like “Lovers of themselves, Lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, unthankful, disobedient to parents, disloyal, having no natural affection, fierce, without self-control, puffed up with pride.

Being selective involves self-control. Have you ever watched the first few minutes of a drama or movie and, though you realized it was unacceptable, watched the entire film just to find out what would happen next? Many have however, if you have the will power to turn off the television so you can do something else, you will probably find that you don’t really care about what happened.

By: Noble Ihezie

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Watching satellite TV is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. But there are dangers also. Our children could be exposed to unsuitable media such as nudity, violence and coarse language. Companies came up with parent controls, otherwise known as the V-chip to block off programs when children watch satellite TV based on specific criteria. The V-chip was birthed since the telecommunications act of 1996 was passed arising from a rise in the violent, nudity and coarse language content of TV channels in homes.

How does the V-chip work?

It behaves like a child lock and is activated by parents with PIN numbers or passwords. Once activated, the satellite system would interrupt all transmission of harmful and unwanted satellite TV channels. TVs today are generally equipped with the V-chip. Parents can have a peace of mind knowing that they can now select the appropriate TV programs for their children to watch satellite TV. However, it is not entirely full-proof as kids nowadays are quite tech-savvy. Young ones may figure out your PIN or password and use them to watch satellite TV channels of their desire.

The Children’s Television Act only deals with television programming and advertising effects on children, but fails to address the other major concern of parents – the content. Much depends on how the parents control this at home. They would need to enforce strict house rules in order to restrict their children from starting or sneaking to watch satellite TV channels which are not suitable for their viewing. With the escalating amount of violence, nudity, wrong thinking and fantasies in TV content, the young minds are easily corrupted. This would adversely affect their development from adolescence to adulthood.

The invention of the V-chip certainly makes it easier and more manageable for parents to control the content. It effectively stops your kids so that they do not watch satellite TV that is inappropriate for their age. What is so good about using a V-chip is the ease of setting up the restrictions on programs that you do not want your children to watch on the satellite TV.

Find out at my blog how to access more educational programs and interesting cartoons to engage your children so that they can learn from their viewing experience when they watch satellite TV at home.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

By: Davion Wong

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The prevalence of obesity in minors is increasing in the United States. Childhood obesity is rounded at a critical stage as approximately 15.3% of children ages 6-11 and 15.5% of adolescents ages 12-19 are overweight, and an additional 15% children and 14.9% adolescents are at risk for overweight.

Childhood obesity is on the rise and the victims are all at risk to developing Type II Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other obesity-related diseases at a very young age. So early in their development stage and their life expectancy already becomes predetermined limited. And at their short lifespan their memories are crammed with insults, bullying, and destruction of self-esteem. What could be the reason for their mishap?

The reason for this is two-fold. First is the genetic-factor adding to the vulnerability for childhood obesity and second and most notably, the passing-down of poor lifestyle and eating habits.

Sorry to say but the current age is made up of digital generation kids spellbound by inactive indoor entertainment and fast food convenience. Surrounded by computers, video games, and the television, children are hard to pull from the couch to have a healthy and worthwhile physical activity outdoors. And even when they eat it’s difficult to keep them from sweet and fat-saturated snacks impossible for them to burn-off. Finally when they go to school the bad custom is enforced ever more as virtually all kids do the same. – The result, widespread childhood obesity. So what should the parent do?

Not to be obese themselves is one. Yet childhood obesity is such a serious condition that efforts of providing a good example through proper nutrition and efficient exercise at home still requires established guidelines that’ll help parents and school-systems make significant changes against the problem.

These weight-health guidelines are crucial to educate all children about the perils and reality of childhood obesity and encourage them to participate in all efforts dealing with the issue. Encouragement of children to eating healthy foods and getting plenty of exercise shall produce results rather than futile if the health measures are imposed. Parents need to ensure their children about the importance of choosing healthy habits. Yet, they also need to make the assurance that such healthy alternatives are available.

Concerned individuals should keep with the USDA ‘Prescription for Change’ and ‘Healthy School Nutrition Environments’. School canteen meals should comply with nutritional standards and guidelines, while providing plenty of food choices and introducing new foods to keep the menu healthy and interesting; additional vending machines and packaged ’snacks’ should represent the 5-major food groups in the Food Guide Pyramid; students should have designated mid-day lunch periods at a healthy environment; and all decisions made by the school-system regarding student consumption should be based on nutritional goals and guidelines, and not on profit.

Efforts should also include education and information on healthy eating habits as well as active school activity programs for students from Kindergarten through Grade12.

As you track your kid’s success – so also track his health.

By: Milos Pesic

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Fifi and the Flowertots is an animated children’s television series created by Keith Chapman and originally premiered in January 2008. The series is about flower characters and their adventures in the garden.

The central character of the television series is Fifi Forget-me-not. Fifi loves to garden and she often forgets words. When she remembers words her friends often say ‘Fifi Forget-me-not Forgot!’. There are many supporting characters that add to the charm of Fifi and the Flowertots that include:

- Bumble is a bee and is Fifi’s best friend. When Fifi forgets words, Bumble helps her to remember.

- Violet lives in Flowertot Cottage and likes to paint. She always likes everything to be neat and tidy.

- Primrose lives in Flowertot Cottage and is best friends with Violet. Like Violet, she also likes everything to be neat and tidy and in order.

- Poppy sells fruit and owns a market stall in the garden.

- Mo is a lawnmower and speaks in a language that only Fifi understands, so she translates to the rest of the flowertots.

- Pip is a gooseberry and is the youngest character that lives in the garden.

- Stingo is a wasp that lives in Apple Tree House and is lazy and occasionally steals from the other Flowertots in the village.

- Slugsy is a slug and is Stingo’s sidekick and is often very clumsy.

- Webby is a spider and often gives advise to the Flowertots in the garden when they have a problem.

- Dingly is a grumpy worm that lives in the compost heap. He is very helpful and creates compost for all the Flowertots to use.

The adventures of Fifi and the Flowertots encourage children, infants and toddlers to discover and learn about friendship, problem-solving and co-operation.

By: Leanne Ronalds

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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a film adaptation of a fairy tale as told by the Brothers Grimm. In 1934, Walt Disney decided to make his first full feature animated film and chose Snow White as the story. Billed as Disney’s folly by many no one thought the film would have much if any success. Over seventy years later Snow White is still captivating little girls everywhere.

It is a tale of a beautiful young girl who is hated for her beauty by her evil stepmother. Driven to rage by the magical mirrors declaration that Snow White is more beautiful than she, her stepmother sends her stepdaughter into the woods to be killed by a hunter. Upon arriving in the woods, the hunter raises his knife only to find he does not have the heart to do it. He sends Snow White off and kills a boar instead to prove to the stepmother that he had done the deed. We all know the story from there she moves in with the seven dwarfs and cares for them in exchange for her room and board.

The adventures of Snow White are captivating to many her beauty and sweet demeanor that inspires the love of the handsome prince is a fairy tale all young girls long to live. The thought of being rescued by the dashing man of your dreams dances through every little girl’s heart and mind. Not to mention that at one time or another daughter often find their mothers in the role of an “evil step-mother” not literally of course but the conflict is inevitably there in the best mother daughter relationship.

Therefore, Snow White and her merry band of dwarf rescuers will enchant yet another generation of young women. She will dance and sing her way into their hearts and allow them to dream of their own happily ever after.

By: Jane Richardson

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How is child obesity linked to fast food? This is a question that is often been asked. They are a multi-billion dollar business that has had tremendous success over the years, therefore, it is fair to say that they are here to stay. The biggest reason is the convenience, it is ready “fast”, and – since we are in a hurry – nutritional value is compromised. Our lifestyles have changed over the years we live in a hurry up society. The industry understands this which is why there is a drive through window. In most cases you can find a convenience restaurant within two miles of your home or work. You can’t blame the restaurants for making themselves available it is good business. How is child obesity linked? convenience.

Is child obesity linked because of nutritional value? You bet it is. Most of the foods served at fast food restaurants have been through a processing period. This process involves the mass production of food in factories that add artificial and natural flavors to ensure that the food tastes the same. As a result of this process nutritional value is lost. The finished product is high in fat, calories, sugar, salt, and lower in fiber. In other words, in one fast meal, you can consume almost as many calories and sodium and more fat than you should consume in a day. Since most restaurants offer the option to “super size it” and the cost is minimal people eat more than they should. How is child obesity linked to fast food? Poor nutritional value.

Why is child obesity linked? There have been studies conducted on what children eat and where they eat. Surprising results indicated that restaurants was the place of choice over 25% of the time. Knowing that they have little nutritional value could result in an increase in weight gain of upwards to 6 pounds a year. If children make fast food restaurants as their place of choice physical exercise needs to be incorporated into their daily routine. In order to burn off the amount of calories from a typical meal one would on average need to walk 3 miles at 5 miles per hour. That’s a lot of exercise for the convenience.

Child obesity is also linked by advertising. Restaurants are notorious for luring children with toys included in meals. This is not the only form of advertisement targeting children. Television advertisement promoting these restaurants are aired during key hours of the day when most children watch television. Exposure to television advertisement influences their tendency towards obesity. Children are not equipped to understand the difference between commercial advertisement and information.

It’s Your Choice!

Fast food restaurants have made a gallant effort to address the obesity issue by offering healthier food choices. They are not going to stop their advertisement techniques or alter their main menu items. After all, this is how they became so popular and business is business. Choosing to eat at these restaurants is a decision that we make on an individual basis. Our children need to be educated on the dangers of unhealthy food choices and the long term effects of childhood obesity. We need to step up to the plate and do something about it. It isn’t going to be done for us. Is obesity linked to fast food? Ask yourself that same question the next time you are pressed for time and looking for the convenience of a quick bite to eat.

By: James Rouse

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