Intentionality with Television

Summer Day 8

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-9.

Intentionality with the Television

Summertime and TV-watching go hand-in-hand. Kids are home all day, so the television can become the babysitter. It keeps the children occupied and quiet so you can get a few things done! However, we know this isn’t best for them.

What if instead we created an environment in our homes where television watching could actually provide something positive? My heart wants to show you that with some intentionality, TV can become an excellent learning experience for your family.

Today’s verse in Deuteronomy says to “teach them diligently.” In my opinion, that can happen all day long if we take advantage of the openings our children give us. Proverbs 23:26 says, “Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes delight in my ways.”

Our children are waiting to be instructed by us and here are some suggestions on how to use TV to make that happen.

1. TV can be a great conversation starter.
“Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord,” (Ephesians 6:4). Some topics are not easy to discuss with kids, specifically pre-teens and teens. Bringing up hard subjects can often turn into awkward moments. However, by choosing programs that address sensitive topics and by following His instruction, you will have the open door to train your child in the instruction of the Lord.

2. TV can be educational and fun!
In our home, we enjoy cuddling up together to watch a show where something new is being exposed or taught to our children. As the parents, we intentionally choose certain shows beforehand. We then watch together, laugh together, and discuss anything new we saw or learned. Watching quality television creates great memories!

3. TV exposes our children to different cultures.
Many TV programs can be powerful tools in teaching our children about new cultures and their lifestyles and traditions. Documentaries or dramas filmed in other countries can also help our children feel empathy for those living in poverty or develop curiosity about their traditions.

Go Deeper:
Pray about how you view television in your home. Ask the Lord to guide you towards shows that are edifying and in line with Christian teachings.

What’s Next?
I am praying that all of you mamas have a great summer of TV watching with your children. Below is my list of shows/documentaries we have watched in our home that I would love to share with you. These may be available to stream on Netflix.

Pre-School/Kindergarten
1. Wild Kratts http://pbskids.org/wildkratts/

2. Lily’s Driftwood Bay http://www.sproutonline.com/shows/lilys-driftwood-bay

3. The Hive http://www.thehivetvshow.com/#home

Early Elementary
1. Odd Squad http://pbskids.org/oddsquad/

2. Bindi’s Bootcamp https://www.australiazoo.com.au/bindis-bootcamp/

3. Zoo Clues http://www.zoocluestv.com/

4. Space Racers http://spaceracers.org/en

Upper Elementary
1. Rise of the Robots http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/rise-of-the-robots.html

2. Human Planet http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/human-planet/

3. On the Way to School http://www.distribfilmsus.com/our-movies/on-the-way-to-school/

summer day 8

[box type=”download”]

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.

[/box]
Rachel Jones
Latest posts by Rachel Jones (see all)

9 Comments on “Intentionality with Television”

  1. We watch a lot of tv together. I love pausing the tv to explain something. We were once watching a tv movie about a family and the wife’s boss was getting too close. As a mom of three girls, I paused the tv, then declared Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart!” We followed this by air punching the man in the face. It was hilarious! Since then, we do it even if a boy/man doesn’t necessarily have impure intentions, but to remember the importance of protecting yourself.

  2. You make some great points. I’m happy for the show suggestions too. I haven’t heard of most of those.

    1. Yay! Thanks friend! I am so happy most of the shows are new for you. Hugh and I have spent a lot of time scrolling thru Netflix trynig to find educational, yet entertaining shows. Enjoy! 🙂

    1. Thanks Deb! This is an area I have spent lots of time in prayer about and I was so happy to share what the Lord has taught me. 🙂

  3. Thank you Rachel for providing positive ways to use the TV. It always ends up happening at some point in our house and this gives me some new tips 🙂

    1. Yep. TV is inevitable. But is is comforting to know that we as parents can help our kids to learn and enjoy from their shows. Thanks for commenting! 🙂

  4. Love this Rachel! It DOES take so much work to be intentional in the summer with TV but it can be done! Thanks for all the great ideas you posted here and the encouragement!

    1. Thank you! Intentionality is SO hard but worth it. And watching TV with our children can truly be a fun and fulfilling experience. 🙂

Leave a Reply to Deb Weakly Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload the CAPTCHA.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.