Should Obama girls get TV after school? What about your kids?
The Associated Press reports: President Barack Obama says there’s one sure thing parents can do to help their kids learn, regardless of financial means: Forbid them from watching television on school nights.
Of his own daughters, Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8, Obama told Essence magazine: “The girls don’t watch TV during the week. Period.”
I have to say that seems a little bit harsh. My kids, and I’m sure President Obama’s kids, work very hard at school. They are gone for eight hours and deserve a little down time when they come home.
How would you as an adult feel if you walked in a from an eight-hour work day and someone made you sit down and immediately work another hour. That would stink.
When adults come home we want to unwind and so do kids. It would be great if they always wanted to go and back and play when they walked in the door, but often they just want to sit in front of the TV and turn off their pounding little brains.
I have no problem with my kids coming home and watching a couple of shows. They eat a treat. And after about an hour they start their homework. Eat dinner. Bathe and read and then go to bed.
I just think it’s about moderation– in all things. A little TV to unwind is not a bad thing. Hours upon hours of TV (especially in a kid’s bedroom is a bad thing.)
A brownie after dinner is not bad – a plate of brownies is bad.
Self-control people. There are all these articles now that show that self-control is more important in determining a child’s academic success than even IQ. So we need to help them develop self discipline as well as other skills. They need to practice the self discipline.
When you limit something too much then they go in the opposite direction when they have the freedom to choose.
When those poor little girls go off to college, they’re not going to leave the common room for hours trying to catch up on TV.
Moderation – that’s the key.
What do you think: Should the Obama girls get a little down time with the TV when they get home from school? What about your kids? How much is the right amount?
My friend and fellow blogger Maureen Downey addressed this on Get Schooled earlier. She’s on board with the President’s No TV policy. Check out her views and the comments.
Editor’s Note:
Is your child affected by test tampering?
Last week, the state announced that several schools in Georgia are suspected of tampering with answers on the state’s CRCT. While the schools flagged in the investigation have come under scrutiny, the students are arguably the ones impacted most. We’d like to tell their story. If you are a parent who believes that your child may have been affected by suspicious scores and you’re willing to talk with a reporter at the AJC, please contact Gracie Staples at gstaples@ajc.com or Kristina Torres at ktorres@ajc.com.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
83 comments Add your comment
Tiger needs me on his PR team
February 18th, 2010
12:03 pm
@Cammi317…I recommend good porn…once you get through the parts that most “interest” you, it’s the equivalent of three ambien!
Wayne
February 18th, 2010
12:04 pm
@Tiger: LOL… ain’t THAT the truth. Not that I would know…
Tiger needs me on his PR team
February 18th, 2010
12:13 pm
@Wayne…yeah, I’m sure I’m the only one who knows this first hand (pun intended).
Wayne
February 18th, 2010
12:17 pm
You’re killin’ me here…!
5!!!
February 18th, 2010
12:43 pm
“Why does President Obama have to “set a good example” with the way he and Mrs. Obama parent their children?”
Well, he doesn’t HAVE to set an example, but it appears he is trying to anyway and I think thats good.
You’re right that celebrities shouldn’t be expected to do or be anymore than what they are, but its nice when they do try.
I know if I could get my son batting lessons from Brian McCann for example, I would only expect him to show my kid how to hit, however, if he also told my son to stay in school and work hard, it would make me happy.
JJ
February 18th, 2010
12:45 pm
Cammi317 – try a couple of advil right before you go to bed, and if possible, turn on your radio, low and if you have “sleep” setting, set it for about 20 minutes. Tha’s my trick to insomnia..
catlady
February 18th, 2010
12:47 pm
As a teacher, I can tell you a lot about kids’ TV/video/Nintendo watching based on what I see at school. How do I know? I ask the kids what they watch, and I talk to their parents when they come in to find out why Johnny is failing, or in trouble (again) for aggressive behavior. Not saying it is causation, but it does make you wonder…
DB
February 18th, 2010
12:58 pm
@5!!!: I guess what I see as a “problem” (not sure it warrants being a full-blown problem, but we’ll see) is that those poor girls weren’t elected to the White House — their father was. Yes, they will have zillions of opportunities to have a unique insight into events. But in return, they get strangers debating how much TV they should watch, and turning their TV viewing, such as it is, into some sort of commentary on effective celebrity parenting. And, personally, I grow weary when I contemplate the next few years being a combination of governing, statesmanship and parenting tips. *sigh*. So far, in just the last couple of weeks, we’ve debated the girls’ weight (”does “chubby” count as being derogatory?) and now their TV viewing habits. What’s next — the length of their skirts? Their grades? This was on top of last year’s breathless anticipation as to what kind of DOG they were going to get. Sheesh. I guess I get annoyed when parenting commentaries made by the Obamas are received like the Oracle of Delphi. It works for them — but they are, by no means, living an ordinary life. No kid with that many bodyguards is living a normal life. Privacy is a rare commodity these days — and getting rarer by the minute for these girls.
5!!!
February 18th, 2010
1:01 pm
” I ask the kids what they watch, and I talk to their parents when they come in to find out why Johnny is failing, or in trouble (again) for aggressive behavior.”
This doesn’t seem to be an issue with my son. While he doesn’t watch a lot of tv, I don’t feel the need to monitor what he does watch or read. He seems to get that there is a behavior that is expected of him and just because fictional or nonfictional other people may behave differently, he does not.
For example, on this blog there was a topic about “The Diary of A Wimpy Kid” book series, so I bought those for him. The blog was about how they might be a bad influence due to language. After reading the series, my 6 year old did start asking me questions like, “Is that guy a moron?” but I would just say, “Yes, he is a total moron, however, you aren’t allowed to say that about him cause it might hurt his feelings”. So he doesn’t say it.
Cammi317
February 18th, 2010
1:09 pm
LOL@Tiger…I guess the almost 5 years of celibacy is getting to me! JJ, I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the tip!
FCM
February 18th, 2010
1:12 pm
My child was grounded from TV last night. She left her viola and her Reading text book at school (AGAIN!!!). I told her Tuesday that if she failed to bring the Reading home (she has a packet due tomorrow and none is done) there would be no TV.
Rule at my house is show me the work is done and we will DISCUSS TV. We will also discuss computers, toys etc.
The other child has no problem getting her stuff to me and watched Survior (On Demand) with me after she got done playing with her Barbies. The child banned from TV sat where I could see her (so I could see what she was doing) and when done with what I gave her to do, entertained herself by reading my HS Yearbooks. ROFL
Is it harsh because, like the Superbowl ads, you relate and think maybe your kids watch too much tv?
As to them over doing the tv later, I doubt it. It could happen but it is more likely they will have a good many other things to occupy their time in college.
Tiger, as usual your arguments are spot on.
Tiger needs me on his PR team
February 18th, 2010
1:14 pm
@Cammi317……If you’re still having trouble after JJ’s suggestion, don’t discount my effective (albeit unorthodox) suggestion!
Cammi317
February 18th, 2010
1:16 pm
LOL…I think that’s more of a guy favorite activity. Not that I haven’t seen a flick or two in my day. I’ll keep it in mind.
Tiger needs me on his PR team
February 18th, 2010
1:18 pm
@FCM..thanks…not sure why I took this one to heart so much!
Tiger needs me on his PR team
February 18th, 2010
1:18 pm
@Cammi….free your mind and your insomnia will follow!
FCM
February 18th, 2010
1:36 pm
“not play Dr. Spock (or whatever the current fad is now.) ” Dr. Spock’s kids turned out MUCKED UP! I wouldn’t look to Spock or POTUS for how to raise kids.
Then again I would never look to the gov’t for how to raise kids.
Magenta
February 18th, 2010
2:34 pm
Though I didn’t read the article, I have a hunch that the “no TV on school nights” is NOT the same as “walk in the door and get right into homework.” More likely, the girls have other activities on school nights, such as conversation, board games, outings, etc. in addition to homework. I think that’s the point — yes, they have leisure time, but it isn’t check-your-brains-at-the-door time. If your dad were the president, do you think anybody could make you just sit and do homework without a little conversation first?
Magenta
February 18th, 2010
2:48 pm
Well, okay, I read the article, and it does sound like homework dominates the weekday after-school period. But I still doubt that they get bales of homework every night, or that they have to do it in silence. It’s easier to do homework if there’s some constructive interaction (something other than commercials or ringing cell phones).
motherjanegoose
February 18th, 2010
3:02 pm
POST evaporated, so I will try again….
THIS IS OFF TOPIC BUT RELATED TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE POST I SHARED ABOUT BANK OF AMERICA ON THE BLOG WHERE THE MOM WAS MAD AT US AIR
TODAY, Clark Howard ( consumer advocate) shared that Bank of America got an F in customer service. Of the big banks more customers appear to be unhappy with their service than most others..
I laughed when I heard this on WSB radio. There are many days that I state my opinion on this blog and others will condemn me, even though I know I am not the only one holding such an opinion.
Today, I am validated ( in perhaps one opinion only LOL) as there may be thousands out there who can vouch that my thoughts about Bank of America are perhaps more right than wrong.
@ Wayne, guess we weren’t the only ones were we? Yes, we do plan to ride the Ducks when we come to Boston. We took the Old Towne Trolley Tour twice and loved it. It is supposed to be sunny and in the upper 50’s this weekend here, so it will have to warm up before we make our way up from Atlanta!
Wayne
February 18th, 2010
3:59 pm
Funny, we were talking about banks at our team meeting today (I haven’t a clue as to why) and most of us stated that we dislike BofA greatly. Hmmm… I don’t wonder why!
The Duck Tours are great as the drivers really liven them up.
HB
February 18th, 2010
5:33 pm
Has BofA ever been good? I had an account there in college because it was the only bank located both in my hometown and Atlanta, but I never liked them. I kept them the year after I graduated because I worked in their big building downtown and it was convenient, but would have switched to a credit union in Decatur if I had stayed longer. Ever since, I’ve sought out local or regional banks and had far better experiences.
And Duck Tours rock! I loved that the Patriots used the duck boats for their Super Bowl parade in 2002 (I lived in Providence at the time). Did the Red Sox do the same after winning the World Series?
FCM
February 18th, 2010
5:33 pm
MJG make sure to get to Fanheil Hall (Sp?) early as it is usually very crowded. Great place to go though. As is the Christian Science Monitor and the old court house. I cannot wait to take my 2 up to Boston (in the fall of course!!!) to check out the things they have started learning about. Want to go to Philly too, never been there myself.
FCM
February 18th, 2010
5:34 pm
oh and the red and green is great for getting around. Wayne if I have this wrong correct me!
MomsRule
February 18th, 2010
5:50 pm
MJG, didn’t you mentioned the other day that you’ve been with BofA for 20 years? If their customer service is so bad why are you still there? I’m not being judgmental, I am honestly wondering.
I have never banked with BofA so I have no personal experience.
motherjanegoose
February 18th, 2010
9:09 pm
@ MomsRule, because I travel all over the US and they are one bank that is accessible in most all states, if the need arises. I have my business account with BofA and my personal account with a local bank….I adore. Perfectly good question and I hope I answered it.
@ FCM, we have been twice to Boston and it is such a neat place. Last trip we drove down to Mystic CT…where they made the movie MYSTIC PIZZA with Julia Roberts. Beautiful!
Philly is great too. We took our kids on the horse and buggy ride near the Liberty Bell and they told us so many historical things that fascinated the kids. Swing by Hershey PA while you are there…the smell of chocolate is everywhere!
Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont are awesome in the fall too!
Your girls may also like Williamsburg….we did. Funny story…we were at Williamsburg with our family and ran into our neighbors, around the corner, who were there on the same day….small world!
DB
February 19th, 2010
12:02 pm
MJG: We love Williamsburg, but goodness, it’s gotten expensive in the last few years!! Growing up, it was our 4th grade class trip (Virginia history, and all that stuff). The kids have always enjoyed the costumes and the “old fashioned” stuff. My family is in central Virginia, so we used it as a “staging area” one spring break — went to DC for a couple of days, then over to Monticello, then over to Williamsburg (and Busch Gardens, so as not to bore the kids completely with history!) While in Williamsburg, who should we see but my son’s teacher — she was spending her spring break in the area, too! We didn’t know before we left, and you can imagine the look on my son’s face when he hears an oh-so-familiar voice booming across Duke of Gloucester St: “____ ____!!” He jumped a mile! We ended up having lunch with her, and it was a great treat for him to get to know her outside the classroom.
Uconn
February 19th, 2010
12:31 pm
*SIGH* …. You guys talking about new england makes me homesick …
motherjanegoose
February 19th, 2010
2:16 pm
@ DB, we went right after 911 and I received an e-mail about a a special for 2 nights at the Hampton Inn, 2 dinners of prime rib or steak ( good too) and 2 tickets to Williamsburg for like $250. It was amazing and then we added on the kid’s tickets and dinners ( not a timeshare viewing). I have no idea how much it is now. I do think it is one place all families should try to get to.
MamaC
February 26th, 2010
9:40 am
I think it’s awesome our Prez. is against TV during the week. TV is just mindless entertainment anyway. In my house, its just me and my daughter in the evenings. The only way I get a few minutes of uninterrupted time after a long work day is T.V. I let my 5 year old watch one 30 minute show. Just long enough for her to relax a few minutes and for me to change clothes and take a short walk with the dog. (There are other adults in the house, I don’t leave her alone.) We have “movie night” once a week, which means I get that time to take care of some chores/work/relax/cook/etc while she watches a movie. I really hate how around 6-7PM the basic cable networks air only shows for preteens and teens. They don’t offer shows for smaller kids at that time. Flipping through the channels after work the “kids” shows are violent cartoons, sitcoms demonstrating bad behavior, young kids dating, being obsessed with clothes and looks. Thank goodness for the DVR. I wouldn’t let her watch T.V. without it.
Teacher-Mommy
March 10th, 2010
11:17 pm
I’m a teacher and I think that the best “down time” that kids can have is active play in the fresh air! That having been said, TV and media use in the home should be left to the up parent to monitor, but many parents do not. We monitored and limited TV watching and WE MADE SURE THAT THE ONLY VIDEO GAMES THAT CAME INTO OUR HOUSE WERE THE HAND HELD UNITS THAT WE COULD TAKE AWAY WHEN REPORT CARDS AND INTERIM REPORTS INDICATED THAT OUR KIDS WERE NOT WORKING UP TO THEIR POTENTIAL. No big playstations in the family room and no bedroom TVs. It worked out great! The kids are now readers who make the library or the bookstore a mandatory stop when beginning a college break. The oldest earns a Phd in May, so if he wants to watch TV in his “down time,” I’m fine with it. We’ve done our job!
Frugality Isn’t Deprivation. It’s Doing The Kids (and you) a Favor | Frugal Hacks
March 12th, 2010
7:00 am
[...] Theresa Walsh Giarrusso says: I have to say that seems a little bit harsh. My kids, and I’m sure President Obama’s kids, [...]
Denice
March 15th, 2010
9:29 am
The difference between a parent watching an hour of TV every day to “wind down” and a child doing the same,is that, well, one is the adult and one is the child. And one has no say in the matter (for those of you who don’t run your household the way, the one who does not get a vote is the child). Children wo don’t get what they wants whine a bit more, I’m sure, but in the end I don’t care because disagreeing with your parents is part of growing up. And it’s temporary. The children will hardly recall how they were deprived from technology on their wedding day or the day they graduate from college. If your child’s life is so hard they need to wind down in front of the TV than perhaps something else needs to change. Look to yourself first, parents.
Kathy
September 20th, 2010
6:17 pm
Parents have the right to decide the best activity for their children. Parents know their children best and can probably determine the best wind down activity. i would love for my son to sit and watch TV a while but he won’t. He gets a snack and is ready to run outside, he says he has been sitting most of the day he feels the need for some activity. Many times it depend on the kids mood as to what activity he wants to wind down. So for the first hour after school the kids should have a choice.