Who’s Talking to Your Kids?

Sophisticated marketing messages of all kinds are bombarding our children every day.  Advertising is everywhere in our culture. It’s estimated that young people view over 40,000 ads each year on television. This doesn’t even include other sources of advertising like the Internet and cell phones. Some experts believe this constant exposure is partially to blame for a variety of youth issues, from higher levels of childhood obesity to alcohol use.

But as a parent, you can combat these messages by doing simple things like…

• Setting limits on your children’s television time. Many experts recommend that preschoolers watch no more than an hour of TV daily.
• Watching TV with your child. Be a filter for your child by helping him or her understand what's happening on screen.
• Teaching your child to accept "No" for an answer. It’s natural for children to nag or whine when they want something. Teaching them that there will be times when you will have to say "No" and how they should respond will help them better understand that you are doing what is best for them. 

Of course, the most important thing you can do is not give in to what advertisers think is acceptable for your child. That means being vigilant and monitoring the messages your child is receiving. 

You can find free information by visiting our website for parents www.parenting.org or by checking out a book from two of our experts, Who's Raising Your Child? Battling the Marketers for Your Child's Heart and Soul.