How to make watching TV beneficial to young children

Like any other three or four year old, my triplets, especially my boys adore their superheroes. They watch animation and movie DVDs. Spider-man is their favorite, followed by Chota Bheem, and a few Malayalam superheroes like Dingan, Mayavi etc. Krishna is part God and part superhero. My instinct tells me that Kutty does not have too much interest in superheroes, but growing up with the boys is influencing her and she too actively watches the animations. They also love Lion King, Jungle Book, Life of Pi, Tom&Jerry etc. So do I worry about letting them watch these? Absolutely not. And that is because they do not watch it all the time. What they watch, we make sure, is benefiting them. How? Let me explain in this post on how to make watching TV beneficial to young children.

Animation, superheroes, stories and my triplets

1. I have not introduced TV programs to them. Sure, there are many channels which offer a lot of information to them, History, Animal Planet, National Geographic, Discovery etc., and many channels like KochuTV(Regional channel) and Cartoon Network that show programs ideal for young children. However DVD has an advantage. I get to choose what they see, and when they see it. Since the DVDs are there with us forever, they are assured that they can watch them anytime, and not when it is broadcast. They usually watch only during meal times. At the most they watch the screen for one and a half hours a day. At the most.
2. The repeated shows of the same DVD ensures that they enjoy the scenes they like, but eventually they get bored after a while, and thus move on to other activities. I don't think it is a good idea to let them know that there are endless, variety shows which they can keep watching without getting bored and switching channels. No, not yet. On day they will get to know, but I will handle the situation then.
3. I read to them, I tell them stories. They love the stories, and they love listening to my voice (when I am not yelling at them). Naturally, I am their mother- kids love their mom's voice. So, any day, they prefer my stories to whatever goes on on the screen. I ensure that my stories have superheroes wherever possible, many animals, their roaring or growling sounds, demons and Gods who fight and beat the demons, magic, food, colors, different countries and complicated names. It is infinitely interesting to watch their eyes light up, grow big, become dreamy as they imagine the scenes, and make up their own stories in their minds. The moment I finish telling the story of 'Black Beauty', one of them starts repeating it aloud while walking here and there, only difference is that Black Beauty becomes a calf, and te story alters to suit the calf- it does not run like the horse, but it will play and have its own adventures. So the moment I want them to stop watching a DVD, I offer to tell or read a story, and there, they are cuddling with me!
4. We speak Malayalam at home all the time. English movies and animations introduce them to the language, and make them get over any inhibitions they might have in the future while using the language. Also they see some Hindi DVDs, and they are familiar with the concept of many languages. Animations like Chota Bheem, Krishna and Balram etc. are very good for them to understand English. Also I am sure once they start using pencil and colors effectively, they will stat painting scenes from the stories they see.
5. They know that watching too much TV makes them couch potatoes and damages their eyes. The moment they stop watching the movie, they start playing- and such fun to watch the role-play. That, I must say, is one good part of having a threesome.
6. They know that Peter Parker got his superhero powers when super-spider bit him. But not only that. I tell them that he got the power because he is good in his heart, he behaves nicely, he helps his family and others, does not fight with others unnecessarily, uses his power to help others."With great power comes great responsibility". I show them how Peter empties his waste basket every night. How his uncle met with the tragic accident when Peter forgot his duties for a while. How a bad person given with power uses it to bad causes, and in turn ends up dead. Of course bad people when dead go straight to hell where Satan puts them in boiling water (they have seen this in Tom&Jerry and Krishna-Balram). So a person with a good heart and responsible behavior only gets super powers. Whenever one of them does something good, like keeping back toys in shelf after playing, or emptying their waste basket, I add a super-power point. When they make a tantrum, they lose a point. I tell them God adds up the points at the end of every week and bit by bit gives super powers, depending upon the number of points earned. Finally when there are thousands of points, you get to become powerful like Spider-man. But by then you are so good in helping others, that you will now to use the power responsibly. They believe that. But more importantly, I believe that, too. I believe in that so strongly that I come across very convincing. It does not change things overnight. They still have their fights, their tantrums, but there is a difference. The frequency is much less. Also they compete to help others and each other with little things, which I find very encouraging.

So, all in all, if you ask me, I would say let them watch TV. But limit the timing, do not leave the TV on all the while, tell them stories, show them how interesting and addictive books can be (just read out to them- they will understand). Play with them or watch them play. Listen to them while they play. Teach them to extract morals and values from what they see on the screen. Teach them to absorb the language. Surely TV time will be more enjoyable and instructive.

Here are some movies which my kids enjoy watching (me too!). 

Play time: Toys for toddlers and Outings

Long time since last post. I am kind of busy with teaching, practice and a research paper I am intending to present in the coming week. At home everything is going well. Finally my toddlers are potty trained, although at night we still use diapers, mainly because they sleep late and wake up late, so it is difficult to wake them up in between to use the potty. Next week we should start play school, which might make them sleep early and wake up early.

Sunday afternoon is outing time. Temples (especially Vadakkumnathan temple at Thrissur), parks, zoo, beach and malls are the favorite places of visit for my trio. Vazhani dam is also close by, and the view is stunning here, although what they enjoy in Vazhani is the long walk and playing in the park rather than the view. They now know many animals and a few birds (some from the sound also, like crow, koel, magpie robin, babblers etc), flowers and vegetables. They understand colors and can arrange toys according to colors&sizes. 

Vazhani Dam

These are some of their favorite toys and cycles. The stacking cubes, stacking rings and First blocks are good to develop sense of shape and color. They love the Magic car (though they call it train!!). That and the BSA cycle are their favorite mode of transport. Also the card board box transformed to be a favorite toy for the toddlers!

Wonderful handmade toyhouse :) !!

                                       

                       

                          

                                           

Animations and other movies for children

These are some videos liked and enjoyed by our triplets. This is by no means a complete list, and the first few listed are Malayalam, however these can be a start. Feel free to click the links- they are not ads, but videos on YouTube or info on wiki.

Kathu is a Malayalam 3D animation that tells the story of a kitten and her family and friends. It has two parts of 45 minutes each interlinking a story line and songs about values like honesty, courage, respect to elders, helpful attitude, self-confidence etc. There is not a moment of boredom, and it is enjoyable to adults as well.

Manchadi has four parts, all with stories and songs/rhymes. The stories are from Panchatantra, Aesop’s fables and folktales. Most stories have some value to teach, and the rhymes are very nice- the familiar ‘Kunchuvammakk anchu makkalane’ rhyme is made with a catchy tune and interesting animation. The very familiar story of the elephant and tailor is made into a song, which any child would love to sing along. All in all, it is a great collection.

Pupi is a very curious puppy, and in his explorations and adventures we learn about chameleons, honey bees, spiders, birds and bats, earthworms and many other living beings on the earth, and the dynamics between them. Very informative, very entertaining, it is guaranteed to arouse curiosity about surroundings in a child.

Torpido is a Malayalam superhero- a boy who fights aliens with the help of a pair of spectacles that his father gives him. Then there are many animation videos like Mayavi, Meesa- Elumban, Ambili Maman, Kilukkampetti, Minnaminni, Kuttikurumban, Chakkaramamazham etc. which are entertaining.

Pachilakkoodu (My Home is Green) is a wonderful animation movie that tells us the evils of insecticides, particularly endosulfan.  It is a touching story of the friendship between an ant and a caterpillar. My kids were totally engrossed by the movie, and I am sure they got the message. I would say it is a must-watch. This award-winning movie is available in both English and Malayalam.

Jungle Book and Tarzan are available as 2D, 3D animation as well as movies. The 3D animations are worth watching for the art of making the animations, the pictures, the images, the scenery and the effects. These animations are sure to awaken and inspire the artist in your child.

Lion King is a 2D animation movie with two parts. The first part tells us about the ‘Circle of Life’ where everything in nature is connected to each other and obeys nature’s rules. ‘You must take your place in the circle of life’, the lion tells his cub. It also tells us a great story of love, friendship, travel and adventure, loyalty, rivalry, sacrifice and most importantly, duties and responsibilities. Lion King-II tells us never to give up hope, and that love can conquer the whole world, without shedding a drop of blood. It is lovely. And my kids have a great time watching the two movies, imitating the characters and delivering the dialogues. The songs are irresistible.

Little Krishna TV series made into two DVDs are available in English, Hindi and a few Indian regional languages. It is about the adventures of Lord Krishna as a little baby and child in Vrindavan. It is a beautiful animation and if your kid likes stories of Krishna, or if he likes superheroes, he is sure to enjoy this cute animation.  Your little girl will love to watch baby Krishna and his adorable ways. Krishna and Balram, and Chota Bheem feature adventures of part mythological part superhero characters as 2D animations. Children will like them, but it is better to sit with them while they watch these videos, and tell them what to absorb and what not to. For example, Chota Bheem gets his strength when he eats a handful of ladoos (sweet). While we can tell the child that Bheem became strong when he ate his food, we also need to be careful to let him know that ladoos are not good for health if eaten in such quantities as they show in the cartoon. There are many such loose ends in both these series; however they are very good to learn good English pronunciation and usage.

Once your son starts enjoying Spider-man, there is no turning back. That is all I need to say about this brainy-and-wimpy Peter Parker turned superhero. I am sure same is true for Ben10, Tintin and Batman, but I have not tried those. Nor have I tried Pokémon, Narnia, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park or Dora the explorer. I might, soon, and then I shall get back with reviews.

In conclusion I would like to add that whatever movies you choose for your children, it is ideal if you also watch it with them, and explain to them the story. Then you can tell them what important messages are given in the movie- it can range from instilling a deep moral value to understanding the way colours can be used to make a scene attractive. When the video shows a lion roaring, I tell them to notice the sound and how it differs from a tiger growling. When Jungle Book shows a cobra, I tell them to notice the difference it has from Kaa, the python. You will be surprised at how fast they absorb the information, process it within their minds and come up with endless questions. You might have to give an answer when your son asks why the jeep in the animation flies, as well as rides on the road- the maker of the film might have thought it would arouse the kid’s imagination, but most of the time it arouses his suspicion! But you can come up with innovative answers and help him be more imaginative, without ignoring the facts.  Just like during their various play, you need to actively involve while he watches movies also, to make it an entertaining, pleasurable and learning session.

Most of the videos are available for purchase online. The links below will take you to the amazon store, however, they are also available in other shopping sites. 

Happy Viewing!! :D And please don't forget to share your experiences and how your kids enjoy watching movies in the comments column below!