I'm in the slightly awkward place in the world in that I produce children's media, yet advocate for minimal media exposure. There is so much research done at this point that I think pretty much every parent knows that too much exposure is not healthy for the child.
I did learn some recent things from Joseph Chilton Pearce when he visited our school as a guest speaker that surprised me. He talks extensively on how it is the apparatus itself that is most harmful, not the content. I think many people get extremely caught up in content and figure if their child is watching something 'educational' then it is ok. His research has found that any backlit screen has specific effects on the brain, particularly the developing brain that set the neural pathways for future processing of information. The part that is of concern here is the pattern of the processing- the visual input from the backlit object goes mostly to the 'hindbrain,' which regulates reactiveness, aggression and 'primal behaviors.' It passes by the forebrain, which is used for higher thinking, compassion, artistic expression- in short all those things that make us human, rather than animal like. So, if you're wanting to strengthen your child's reactivity rather than compassion than by all means let them watch to their content.
I had the extreme pleasure of hosting him in our home for the conference - (a complete irony since I'm the only 'children's media producer' at the school!)- I asked him sheepishly over dinner if he thought I was going to ruin my children's brain with a one night a week movie night. He smiled gently and said, "Of course not.' Followed quickly by, "But I certainly wouldn't do any more than that!" So there you have it, from the words of an absolute genius- not using the term lightly here- he may be the most intelligent person I've ever had the pleasure of having dinner with! No more than one movie per week!
On a personal note I was beside myself with glee listening to him tell stories of "When I addressed the UN with Michel Odent" OMG!! This must be what it's like for people to meet celebs they love. My entire pregnancies I used to pretend that Michel was my OB. Particularly with daughter #2- my water was broken for about 48 hrs and I was cruising around town in a Depends (a really FAB product! they hold a TON of fluid!) - a gush of fluid with every step. I kept pretending Michel was my OB and in France where broken water for 6 hours and no baby is not a sign of 'failure to progress' and time for a C-section.
So, my lovely fans of our series, I LOVE that you and your kids love our DVDs - I really do. But PLEASE watch responsibly! The smartest man I've ever met recommends not more than one movie per week based on over 40 years of hardcore brain research. Find what works for your family, but please do not send me little notes saying, "My 3 year old stayed inside all day watching your dvd over and over again." Again, not to bite the hand that feeds me, but as a mom and educator it really does hurt more than it feels good when I get notes like that.
Please inform yourselves about all the addictive qualities of TV watching. Evolutions End is a great, yet disturbing read. If you unplug it today and your children scream at you- they have an active addiction. Their brain is functioning in an addictive pattern. It will be easier for them to pick up other addictions as they age- alcohol, drugs, shopping and other compulsive behaviors.
If you're currently letting the kids watch a lot of TV start by reducing it. Even very liberal unschooling moms I know who don't regulate much have a 'no TV during daylight hours' rule. That's very reasonable to start with- particularly in summer where there is so much to do
Our DVDs are meant to inspire adventures of your own so unplug the set and get to it! Come back on Friday or Saturday night with a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show!
