2005/11 « Think Act: Proactive Black Parenting

November 13, 2005

Turning Off The TV and Cultivating Reading: The Best (But Not The Easiest) Solution

The Question: “...It's just too tempting to pacify the children by popping on a cartoon, especially when you're exhausted and overwhelmed like me and my wife usually are.What are your practical suggestions for developing alternatives to popping on the TV when we want to relax?” (Thank you for your comment and question, Malik)

This is a million dollar question. Every caring parent with a television grapples with this question because TV is the most efficient babysitter. It is cheap, easy, and always available. Parents can so conveniently deposit a child of just about any age in front of a TV and the TV will keep that child in one place ---quiet and content-- for potentially hours.

Posted by Gina Carroll at 02:27:39 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

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Gina Carroll

Location:Houston, Texas

Good Reads on Point

The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons From Falling Behind in School and Life by Michael Gurian et al
Teaching the Male Brain: How Boys Think, Feel, and Learn in School by Abigail Norfleet James et al
The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do by Peg Tyre et al
Engage Every Parent!: Encouraging Families to Sign On, Show Up, and Make a Difference by Nancy Tellett-Royce et al
Supporting Youth: How to Care, Communicate, and Connect in Meaningful Ways by Nancy Tellett-Royce et al
Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things by Kelly Curtis et al
Parenting at the Speed of Teens: Positive Tips on Everyday Issues by Renie Howard et al
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers : The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solution Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America by Jack Md Newman, Teresa Pitman
The Breastfeeding Cafe: Mothers Share the Joys, Challenges, and Secrets of Nursing by Barbara L. Behrmann
Working without Weaning: A working mother's guide to breastfeeding by Kirsten Berggren
The Belly Book: A Nine-Month Journal for You and Your Growing Belly (Potter Style) by Amy Krouse Rosenthal et al

The loveliest journal I've seen!Mom-focused.
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Mayo Clinic et al

Receives my award for "Most Reputable Source". Thorough but straight-forward. authoritative.
What to Expect When You're Expecting: 4th Edition by Heidi Murkoff et al

Quickly becoming a new classic. Thorough. Updated. Also offer an accompanying journal/organizer.
50 Successful Harvard Application Essays: What Worked for Them Can Help You Get into the College of Your Choice by Harvard Crimson et al

It always helps to see what others have done successfully.Students read this well before you start. Parents read this INSTEAD of reading your child's essays!!
Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting Into College (Jossey Bass Education Series) by Sally P. Springer et al

This book is special because it addresses both parents and students in a very accessible way. Great Information!
Because of the Kids : Facing Racial and Cultural Differences in Schools (Practitioner Inquiry, 18) by Jennifer E. Obidah et al

Teachers asking themselves difficult questions and refusing to settle for easy answers to urban low achievement. These teachers impress and inspire with their willingness to examine themselves.
The Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege by Robert Jensen et al

If you really want to explore the notion of white privilege in this country, read Professor Jensen’s tour de force on the subject. He leaves nothing uncovered or unclear...and he's a White guy, so you'll believe him!:)
Black Students / Middle Class Teachers by Jawanza Kunjufu et al
Making the System Work for Your Child with ADHD (Making the System Work for Your Child) by Peter S. Jensen et al
Should You Medicate Your Child's Mind? :A Child Psychiatrist Makes Sense of Whether or Not to Give Kids Meds by Elizabeth Roberts et al
Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids, Revised Edition (Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications) by Timothy E. Wilens et al
The Measure of Our Success : Letter to My Children and Yours by Marian Wright Edelman

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