Parenting/Kids/Education

By Summer Lane

Photo: Deposit

“I put a TV in my kids room – I know I shouldn’t, but it’s just easier!”

These were the words I heard years ago from a mother discussing the difficulties of keeping kids entertained. The kid in question was probably between 4 or 5 years old, and I was a little surprised by the comment. Smart TVs are a lot different than our big, clunky, box televisions of yesteryear. These streaming devices offer instantaneous – and unending – entertainment with just the click of a button.

But this mom was not the only one who had the same idea. “I put a TV in my kid’s bedroom, too,” another mom piped up.

I sat there silently. And, to be clear, I wasn’t judging these women in any way – but I was wondering: when did we, as a society, make the jump from using books and outdoor playtime as entertainment to relying on a television as a babysitter?

During the long, hot, summer days, I freely admit that my daughter has watched more than a few episode of Bluey and binged on Disney princess movies. Still – should television be the go-to option for our kids when they’re bored? I argue that the answer is no, and here’s why: television dumbs us down, overstimulates our kids’ brains, and kills their imagination.

A much better alternative: books!

Your kid doesn’t have to be able to read to enjoy books – whether you have time to read to them or invest in an Audible membership (highly recommend), books introduce children to new worlds, new ideas, and a vocabulary that will increasingly expand. Here are FOUR ways reading books will make your kids smarter than the average bear! *wink*

They will use their imagination 

Television takes your imaginative process away by overstimulating your brain – I’m not saying movies and TV aren’t fun, but too much screen time lulls kids into eventually believing that they NEED the TV to be able to relax. I went through this with my daughter, and I’m betting that many kids are the same way. Books, on the other hand, paint a mental tapestry with words – a world that children will imagine in their mind’s eye. This is far more relaxing for the brain.

Their vocabulary will expand 

Not to brag, but my kid’s vocabulary is exceptional. Whether her dinner is “absolutely fabulous” or the weather is “slightly uncomfortable,” my little preschooler has the vocabulary of a much older child. Why? Because I have always read to her. Now that she’s older and we’re both busier, I invested in an audiobook membership, and she loves to listen to novels in her room while she draws, plays, and does arts and crafts. Her vocabulary is continually exploding. She just soaks it up – and so will your kids!

They will get hooked on reading 

This is the best kind of addiction – reading! Your kids will begin to crave books over TV and stories over video games. A lot of parents worry about what will happen if they pump the brakes on screen time and pivot to books. Sure, there might be a fight for a week or two, but rest assured: your kid will eventually grow to love their book time, and they will start asking you to go to the library or purchase the next audiobook in their series. The investment is worth it, because they’re spending their time thinking, exploring, and learning about the world through the books they are reading!

You’re setting them up for a life-long habit that will help them, not harm them

Your child’s love for books will follow them for life – reading comprehension and verbal acuity are two strengths that will help them as they get older, go to college, and work to secure a solid job and career. “Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world,” said Napoleon Bonaparte. How true! Don’t ever regret the time, money, or effort spent on books. Get that library card. Stuff their stockings with books at Christmas. Load them up with their favorite series for their birthday. A love for the written word will benefit them for a lifetime.

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The opinions in this article are specific to its author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire Counter Culture Mom team. This specific article was written by Summer Lane, and may not be reproduced, except to quote for reviews or interviews, without the express permission of the author. 

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Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series. She is an experienced journalist and columnist who reports on news within the U.S. She covers policy, lifestyle, and ag for The Epoch Times. She formerly served as the Associate Editor for Right Side Broadcasting Network.

Now, she owns Write Revolution News, where she provides a rapid-fire feed of the nation’s most important America First news and events.

Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats and ducks, and reading fiction. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.

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