Stay Tuned

Longer on cuteness than content, this folksy handbook from the owners of Kidvidz, a video production company, offers an easy solution to parents worried about TV's deleterious influence on their kids: go video instead. The authors reason that video tapes--bought, rented or made from selected TV fare--eliminate channel surfing and give parents more control over what is viewed. With that case made in Chapter 1, various approaches for making TV- and video-viewing into a life-affirming experience for children ages 2-14 follow. Discussed are strategies for limiting viewing time and ways to respond to crises like an unanticipated scene involving strong language. Much of the parenting information presented is available in less specifically targeted parenting books and is often a matter of common sense, e.g., fast-forward through rough spots. Sample dialogues between parents and kids as they negotiate various issues ring false, while family activities suggested at the end of each chapter are either too elaborate (produce an evening news segment) or uncompelling (design a video cover). Carrying the greatest impact are the snappy, informative ""As a Matter of Fact"" boxes scattered throughout, which offer stunning statistics--e.g.,kids average 40 minutes a week of meaningful parent-child conversation and 1680 minutes per week in front of the set. (Sept.)