“These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses 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 very quickly become the babysitter. After all, it surely keeps the children occupied and quiet so you can get a few things done! I totally understand that mamas, as I currently have four young children in my home. However, I think we all 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. It can also become a special time to share something together, create memories, and cuddle on the couch.

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, “my son, give me your heart 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 6:4b). Some topics are not easy to discuss with kids, particularly with 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.

Blessings and Love,

Rachel

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. All of these are available to stream on Netflix or Amazon.

Pre-School/Kindergarten

1. Wild Kratts https://pbskids.org/wildkratts/
2. Creative Galaxy https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Galaxy-Season-101/dp/B00CB6VTDS
3. The Hive http://www.thehivetvshow.com/#home
4. Word Party https://www.netflix.com/title/80063705

Early Elementary

1. Odd Squad https://pbskids.org/oddsquad/
2. Bindi’s Bootcamp https://www.australiazoo.com.au/bindis-bootcamp/
3. Zoo Clues https://tvproductioncompany.wixsite.com/eiprogamming/zooclues
4. Space Racers https://www.spaceracers.com/

Upper Elementary

1. Brain Games https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/brain-games/
2. Annedroids https://www.amazon.com/Annedroids-Season-1/dp/B00CB6FHKE
3. On the Way to School http://www.distribfilmsus.com/our-movies/on-the-way-to-school/
4. Blue Planet 2 https://www.bbcearth.com/blueplanet2/

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Rachel Jones

Hi friends!I am Rachel Jones and I am so excited to meet all of you.I am a normal, slightly above average mama just like you!

I love coffee, cooking, and anything British.I have one wonderful husband and four crazy and joyful children - three big girls and one little boy.I am originally from the desert in Arizona and now I live in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

I homeschool our children and struggle every day.Being part of Help Club for Moms has been a blessing in my life and I truly couldn’t mother without this incredible community behind me.

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