If you’ve ever watched TV with a kid you’ll know what I’m talking about.
My grandchildren recently visited for three weeks. Three kids with remarkably varied personalities, a wide range of interests and completely different taste. They all love to swim which is fortunate as we live in Arizona, and it goes without saying that it is HOT in July. After expending an unfathomable amount of energy in the pool every morning they (and I) were understandably played-out by late afternoon. Not necessarily a bad thing. This time of year, late afternoon is the very worst time of day to be out and about. Turn on the oven, stick your head inside, now try to breathe…. It’ll be almost as bad as July in Arizona. We watched a lot of TV.
I don’t really mind most TV programming aimed at children. The educational shows are usually pretty tolerable and adequately camouflaged as entertainment so they keep the kids glued to their seat. My grandson leans more toward the classic, Marvel Comics-type Superheroes stuff that does not even attempt to disguise itself as anything academic. This is the stuff I grew up on (now with far superior graphics) so I’m perfectly ok with this as background noise while I squeeze in an hour or two of paperwork. Programing aside, watching the kids watch TV is what I find truly fascinating.
My grandson will root for the Superheroes, out loud, and precisely direct them to the concealed bad guy lurking somewhere in the shadows. Our heroes comply and he is satisfied. My oldest granddaughter has a clear-cut theory on the transitional process that morphs everyday live-action, tween girls into jinx-wielding mermaids. This, her favorite show (this week), actually has something of a story line and therefore in my book, qualifies as watchable. I guess it’s the programing with scholastic designs with which I have my biggest beef.
Unlike purely entertaining presentations that get, but do not require interaction, educational programing actually asks something of the spectator. Understand, the viewer in this case is somewhere in the vicinity of 2-5 years old. They have no idea that the attention they have focused on their favorite TV personalities will not be reciprocated. Therefore, when they speak in the general direction of the television they expect a reply. They get one, and here lies the controversy. After asking a direct question of your tiny, enthusiastic watcher, and an appropriately timed pause, the animated, bubble-headed character with big bright eyes and an oversized smile will say “Yes, that’s right! It’s… the YELLOW school bus, or SEVEN crashing kites, or the spotted baby jaguar”. Positive and encouraging, true. But what if the kid’s answer was wrong?
I carefully observed my youngest granddaughter responding to questions posed by Dora or one of her other animated idols. She’s 3 so most of her replies were, of course, correct. Three-year-olds are a lot smarter than you might think. But occasionally her answer would be a bit off the mark. (clearly these questions were intended for the higher, 5-year-old end of the range) When this happened her expression was often neutral. After all, three-year-olds are painfully accustomed to contradictory negotiations with unreasonable adults. But every once in a while I noticed that she looked puzzled. I’m not sure exactly what she was thinking but I’m almost certain there was a fragment of disappointment there. My granddaughter is pretty laid-back so I’m confident she will not be affected long-term by any of this. But what about more sensitive kids? What about the ones who are so proud of their response, only to have their spirit crushed by a favorite character who was clearly not listening to them when they answered? The fact that people don’t listen to kids is not a lesson that I believe three-year-olds need to learn.
In my mind there is a simple solution. Ask the question, challenge the child’s intellect. But stop assuming they got the answer right. I’m sure there are focus groups out there that continually assess children’s programing. Why have they not recognized this issue? Probably because they’re all adults who just aren’t listening.
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Bill Salvatore – Owner / Realtor / Veteran
Realty Executives East Valley / Gilbert, Arizona
Phone: 602-999-0952
EMail Me
Web Site: www.yourValleyProperty.com
Heroes Home Advantage – Cash Back for Heroes, buying or selling a home.
Arizona Real Estate and Information
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Bill Salvatore is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, a cash back program for Real Estate buyers and sellers. The program honors Veterans and Active Military Members, Fire Fighters and First Responders, EMTs and Emergency Medical Personnel, Nurses, and Teachers. Through the Heroes Home Advantage program, Realtors give a portion of their commission back to the hero in the form of assistance with closing costs.
Bill is also President of the Phoenix Chapter of VAREP, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. VAREP is focused on education and employment, making real estate transactions smoother and easier for Veterans and Military Personnel, and instructing other real estate related professionals in the best procedures for dealing with these transactions. VAREP is a nationwide non-profit organization with an impressive presence in the Phoenix area.
In founding AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, Bill has spread his dedication to Veterans and Military throughout the real estate industry. An increasing number of local professionals have joined Bill in offering discounts to these heroes, not only when buying or selling a home but in all aspects of homeownership. AZVHV has developed a wide range of services and is gaining momentum every year. Membership is free. Bill’s only requirements are that businesses be legitimate and willing to offer a discount on their services to Veterans and Military Members.
You can contact Bill at Realty Executives East Valley, 1166 E Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert AZ, 85296. Direct Phone: 602-999-0952. E-Mail: golfarizona@cox.net. Web: www.yourValleyProperty.com. Helpful web sites and blogs: www.AZVHV.wordpress.com / www.cashbackforheroes.wordpress.com / www.VAREP.wordpress.com
