“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6, NIV).
Have you been guilty of using the TV as a baby-sitter? It’s an easy thing to do. Unfortunately, watching TV can be harmful to your children if you do not carefully monitor the programs and limit the time spent.
Not too long ago, I was traveling on a public bus that was showing a violent movie. It was horrifying. I wonder if the children on the bus had trouble sleeping that night. I did.
Too much TV will not benefit children in the same way as talking with family, working around the house, playing with friends, or practicing sports benefits them. TV can be entertaining and educational, but it does not teach social interaction or thinking skills like other activities do.
When you let your children watch TV, know what they are watching. Watch programs with them occasionally so you can evaluate the program with them. Make sure the programs are age-appropriate and contain content which is pleasing to God.
Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.
From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
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