I am one of those parents that thinks watching television is good thing for your family. I actually think it can be educational and a unique teaching tool. We have even used shows to help my daughter deal with bullying. And we love our family movie nights. But I do like to know what my daughter is watching because I don't want her to watch something that she is too young to understand or something that will give her nightmares. So I have created my tips for kid safe streaming.
Set Time Limits. Sometimes I let my daughter watch a show or I set a timer. Either way, I am making sure that she has limited screen time. I make sure she rests her eyes and does other activities. She loves to craft. We also like to going outside or to the park. I also don't let her watch any shows after school until after snack and homework time. This is our schedule, but yours may differ. Do what works for your family.
Preview Shows Beforehand. Is your kid asking to watch that one show, but isn't quite old enough based on the rating? You know your child best. Pre-watch the show to make sure you think your child can handle it.
Create a Unique Profile. Netflix has not only a kids profile that provides access to kid appropriate material, but you can also create a profile just for your child. With this feature, you can know exactly what they are watching to make sure it is not mixed up with yours shows. It can also be helpful if you have children in different age groups like I do.
Watch Shows Together and Discuss. My daughter loves My Little Pony and I think it is a great show because it does cover important issues concerning friendship as well as being entertaining, but I want to make sure she understood what the important lesson she was suppose to learn. So after watching an episodes together, we will talk about it. It has been amazing to me the things she picks up that I didn't.
You don't want your child watching something that you aren't ready to discuss with them. But if they do have any questions about something they are watching, make sure you try to answer the best you can. Brushing their questions off can do more harm than good. Remember streaming different shows can be both beneficial and educational for your child. Netflix has a ton of great original shows as well with children of all ages in mind. So get your stream on!
What are your tips for kid safe streaming?
I am a member of the Netflix #StreamTeam and receive complimentary products as such. All opinions are my own.
My nephews are here every day after school & they are always on You Tube. I do make an effort to keep track of what they watch, but I do worry about it.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!! I love the kids profile on Netflix!! My son loves being able to choose his shows and movies by looking at a picture :) I love the idea of talking about the shows once you've watched them to ensure that the lesson is learned!!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I think sometimes kids spend too much time watching TV. It's important for parents to be vigilant and not lackadaisical. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you. Happy February!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and safe for kids to do.
ReplyDeletegreat idea i will try it with my 2 younger kids thanks
ReplyDeleteSetting time limits is such an important tip!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post this will definitely help me!
ReplyDeleteKids do a lot more online/tv these days. Best to be safe and keep them from some of that nasty stuff out there.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I especially agree with watching shows together. When you're both engaged with each other and the show it can turn the passive experience into an active one!
ReplyDeleteWe love netflix and I really appreciate that I can set up a profile just for the kids. We love watching shows together!
ReplyDeleteOne of us always watches the shows with the kids to explain them
ReplyDeleteMy grandchildren like both flavors but if I begin to get low on stock of them: I must make sure to hide them from "grandpa" (his favorite is Apple) after all I purchase them as a healthy drink alternative for our grandchildren. I guess I better buy extras so there's enough to go around. ��. Thank You,Lisa
ReplyDeleteWhen my niece and nephews are here they watch cartoons that I approve of and nothing else.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you wrote this article it's very informative.thank you
ReplyDeleteI've been limiting my daughter's viewing time, but I did not think about watch together and discuss....so simple yet important. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, a lot of the cartoons are crass and have a lot of attitude issues and then some of the disney movies can be scary too.
ReplyDeleteI do think it is a great idea to Watch Shows Together and Discuss. That can be a learning experience and super also to answer any questions the children might have.
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We don't have Netflix. And that shouldn't matter, because, as a parent, grandparent, or figure of authority, it is our job to teach and keep our children safe!! No matter what! They are young and impressionable! We have to teach them about predators. We can't be around them.24/7 - like when they are in school. We've watched movies together and then talked about them. How they would have handled the situation, etc.
ReplyDeleteIts always good to preview shows before letting the kids watch tv very good and safe idea
ReplyDeleteWhen my kids were young, we'd watch shows with them so that we knew the content. You've shared great tips.
ReplyDeleteIt's better to preview than to be surprised by unexpected scenes.
ReplyDeleteLots of good advice. I am still new to streaming and its a wild west out there.
ReplyDeleteWhen my kids were little we did have a TV but computers hadn't been invented yet. Much easier to know what they watched.
ReplyDeleteWhen our grandkids come over and want to watch t.v we always sit and watch it also with them. So we know what they are watching.
ReplyDeleteMy great niece is just a little young right now, but she will be like all the other kids and watch all the shows.
ReplyDelete