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Positive and Negative Effects of Cartoons on Child Behaviour and Development
Cartoons are an inevitable part of every child’s life. Since the emergence of cartoon films over a century ago, several generations of children have grown up watching animated films. A multitude of girls have fantasized about being princesses and boys have imagined themselves to be valiant knights after watching classic animated tales like Peter Pan, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, etc.
However, cartoons can have both positive and negative effects on the cognitive development and behaviour of a child. This article tells you all about the effects of cartoons on children and gives you tips on how to deal with its negative effects.
Positive Effects of Watching Cartoons on Children
The importance of cartoons for children can be seen from the various positive effects that cartoons have on child behaviour and development. Here are some positive effects that cartoons can have on children:
1. Helps Children Get an Early Start on Learning
Cartoons can help kids get an early start on learning. The positive influence of cartoons on children can be seen especially in the case of educational cartoons that teach shapes, numbers, and colours. Such cartoons can teach basic things to children in a fun and interactive way, thus making learning an enjoyable activity. The moving, talking pictures and colourful visuals make learning interesting for children.
2. Helps in the Cognitive Development
Watching cartoons can help develop your child’s cognitive skills. It can help develop logic and reasoning ability, visual and auditory processing, and sustained and selective attention of a child.
3. Helps in the Language Development
Cartoons can expose your children to different languages, thus helping children in developing their linguistic abilities. Allowing them to watch cartoons in your native tongue, for example, can help them learn the language better. By watching different cartoons kids can also improve their pronunciation and their manner of talking.
4. Enhances Creativity
Watching cartoons help increase children's imagination and creativity. Your child will be able to think of new ideas inspired by certain cartoons and come up with new stories or artwork based on the cartoons he watches.
5. Promotes Laughter and Relieves Stress
Children find cartoons amusing and often laugh out loud at the antics of the cartoon characters. Laughter is a good stress buster and a confidence builder. It also boosts immunity and causes the release of endorphins that cause us to have positive feelings.
6. Helps Kids Learn About Different Things
Watching cartoons is a great way to teach your kids about local customs, traditions, history, and mythology. For example, watching animated versions of the Ramayana or Mahabharata can teach kids about Indian mythology. Watching cartoons about Aesop’s Fables or Panchatantra can teach children about good morals, kindness, and compassion.
Negative Impact of Watching Cartoons on Kids
While cartoons have many positive effects on children, they can also have negative effects on child behaviour and development. Here are the various negative effects that cartoons can have on children.
1. Encourages Violence
Watching cartoons which depict violence can encourage children to become violent in real life. Also, children may believe that no one gets hurt or feels pain since cartoons escape unscathed after experiencing violence or an accident. For example, characters in Tom and Jerry, The Road Runner, and Oggy and the Cockroaches often hit each other or cause each other to fall from heights, often without any real consequences.
2. Promotes Unruly Behaviour and Lack of Empathy
There are several cartoons which show characters displaying rude or disobedient behaviour towards their teachers and elders. Children may mimic this behaviour and challenge their parents or teachers when they are disciplined for bad behaviour.
3. Promotes the Use of Foul Language
Cartoons often include language that is unfit for children. Children are impressionable, and they may start using bad language that they learn from cartoons in real life.
4. Encourages Unsocial Behaviour
There are several cartoons which encourage antisocial behaviour and give wrong messages to children. Then there are some cartoons that contain sexual innuendos, encourage aggression, and promote bratty behaviour. These can affect your child’s behaviour and make them think it is normal to be aggressive, spoiled, or violent.
5. May Lead to Health Problems Due to Sedentary Lifestyle
Too many hours of sitting in front of a screen watching cartoons can cause several health issues due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle. These include obesity, vision problems, and nutritional deficiencies due to bad food habits.
6. Promotes Bad Role Models
Children often idolize their favourite cartoon character and mimic them or aspire to be like them. Often, the object of their admiration could be a misleading role model who encourages the wrong habits or displays insensitive behaviour towards fellow beings. This kind of impact of cartoons on children’s psychology can often lead to devastating consequences and result in children being withdrawn, uncommunicative, antisocial, or unruly.
Tips for Parents to Deal With the Side Effects of Cartoons on a Child
Now that we have talked about the various advantages and disadvantages of cartoons and the impact of cartoons on children’s behaviour, here are some tips for parents to deal with the negative side effects of cartoons:
1. Watch With Your Kids
Watching a cartoon with your kids will allow you to monitor what they see and also observe their reaction to various events in the storyline. It also helps you bond better with your child. Knowing what their favourite cartoon character is and laughing with them will help you understand your child’s way of thinking and improve your relationship with the child.
2. Limit the Number of Hours
Set a rule that limits the time for watching TV or cartoons for 1 hour a day, especially for young children. Encourage them to go out and play rather than sit and watch cartoons.
3. Select Appropriate or Educational Cartoons
Allow your child to watch only age-appropriate or educational cartoons that do not depict or encourage negative behaviour.
4. Explain the Difference Between Cartoons and Reality
Explain the difference between cartoons and reality to your child. Teach your child about what is harmful, what is acceptable and what is not realistic. For example, you could explain to your child that although a character appears to have escaped unscathed after experiencing violence, it is not the case in real life.
5. Use Filtering and Monitoring Applications
Use parental control applications which have monitoring and filtering software to filter out inappropriate content and lock content which you do not want your child to access. Make sure you do not leave the child alone in front of the TV or iPad for hours without monitoring what they are watching.
6. Explore Informative Channels
Explore channels like Discovery, National Geographic, and Animal Planet for informative and educational content that will aid in the overall development of your child. You can also take them out to experience what they have seen on TV. For example, if they watch a program about the galaxy or solar system, you could take them on a visit to the planetarium and even point out constellations and planets to them in the night sky.
7. Watch Programs With Language Aids
Encourage your child to watch programs with language aids that help them learn letters of the alphabet, words, and rhymes.
8. Use Audio CDs
For storytime and rhymes, you can use audio CDs rather than cartoons, as this will encourage your child to be a better listener.
9. Do Not Let Them Eat Sitting In Front of the TV
Eating while watching the television or iPad sets the stage for a lifetime of bad eating habits such as binge-eating and getting addicted to junk food. Children often tend to overeat when they are in front of a screen. They also tend to make unhealthy food choices. Eat together at the dining table as a family and avoid watching TV during mealtimes. This will help the kids focus on the meal and encourage them to eat nutritious food and stop when they are full.
Cartoons can have both positive and negative effects on children depending on what kind of cartoon they watch. By limiting children’s screen time and encouraging them to go outside and play, you can ensure that your children are healthier and happier. Following the tips listed will certainly help in avoiding the negative effects of cartoons on child development and behaviour.
Also Read: Impact of Watching Television (TV) on Children Read more
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Why Having a Sleep Routine is the Key to Good Marks in School
You can never emphasise the importance of sleep for young ones enough. Every parent wants her child to bring good grades every year. However, have you asked yourself whether you are doing enough to ensure that your child is getting what he needs for a successful school year? Of all the things you can do to ensure that your child excels in their studies, ensuring that he gets enough quality sleep through a good sleep routine is important.
How Are Good Grades and Adequate Quality Sleep Related?
A study done at the UCL Institute of Education by the Department of Psychology and Human Development revealed a lot about sleep patterns and the performance of students in school. They compared sleep hours to average grade points, and the results were eye-opening.
It became evident that students who failed to get enough quality sleep through the night performed poorly in school compared to the ones who slept well. Also, poor sleeping patterns in students led to challenging behaviours, and a reduced attention span, which contributed a lot to lower grades.
On the other hand, students with better sleep routines were seen to have not only better performance in school, but also better behaviour regulation. The finding proved one thing; good sleep routines are vital to excellent academic performance and high learning capacity.
So, Why Does Adequate Sleep Impact Grades?
Getting quality sleep has the following positive impact on performance in school:
1. Improves Cognitive Processing
Simply put, sticking to a sleeping routine is key to ensuring that your child’s brain is ready to acquire and use new information with ease. With improved attention and memory, he can learn better and improve his grades in class, as a result.
2. The Body Resets
Enough sleep allows your child’s body to 'reset' and prepare for new experiences. When active, your child's brain goes through a lot of learning, thinking, and other activities which add to the 'brain garbage'. When he goes to sleep, his body will go through a process of removing such 'waste' which, in turn, prepares the brain for learning once he is awake. It’s like removing unwanted files from your PC so that you have additional storage for the important files.
3. Enough Sleep Nurtures Creativity
We all have creativity in us, and to unleash such creativity, the right method is needed. With all cognitive processes running as expected after getting enough rest, you can be sure that your child will come up with better ideas as well as make smart decisions. That’s why most bright people don’t underrate the importance of getting enough quality sleep.
4. Children Become More Productive
The good thing about sticking to a sleep routine is that your child will always wake up feeling energised for whatever activities you’ve scheduled for your day. Once he gets up after a good rest, he will have more energy to remain productive throughout the day and take that productivity even to his classroom.
5. Enough Sleep = Better Health
Perhaps you already know that enough sleep is crucial for one to remain healthy. When sleeping, your body releases hormones required for healing of the body, which is why you most likely feel sleepy when you’ve got the flu. A sick child will most likely have to miss school for a day or more – that automatically ruins his performance most of the time.
In general, it would only be right to say that enough quality sleep encouraged by a clear routine is paramount to the success of children in school. Therefore, establish a sleeping routine for him, and see to it that he sticks to the routine for better results in academics.
What Makes a Good Routine?
When creating a routine for your child, there’s not much to watch out for. However, always ensure that it’s something that he can follow without stressing himself. Such a routine should be simple, and fun as much as possible; it would be best if you also had some bonding time during such a routine. You can do so by reading books with your child in turns, or telling him bedtime stories before he sleeps. Here’s an example of a good morning and evening routine:
Morning Routine
• Have breakfast
• Brush teeth
• Dress up
• Put on socks
• Fold and store pants
• Make the bed
• Tidy up the room
Evening Routine
• Pack school bag
• Put away the toys
• Put dirty clothes away
• Brush teeth
• Tidy up the bathroom
• 15 min reading/story time
• Sweet dreams
What Are The Benefits of a Sleep Routine?
A sleep routine has several benefits that make your child even btter in school. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
1. Eliminate Power Struggles
When your child is reminded what is expected of him before he goes to bed or after waking up in the morning, he will learn and his body will adjust to such a routine automatically. He won’t have to be constantly reminded what to do and when to do it. That way, even adapting to school routines and learning new things becomes easier.
2. Children Learn How to Cooperate
Learning how to cooperate when a child is growing is important even in his academics, as he will always work with others successfully to achieve better performance.
3. Routine Encourages Independence
There is nothing as inspiring as your child learning that he has the responsibility of taking care of himself, albeit with the help of the family. This way, he learns to depend on himself even in school and can learn better.Even though it might be common for children to sleep in on weekends, it’s actually essential to maintain a regular waking-up and sleeping time. Neurologists and sleep experts suggest sticking to routines even on weekends for the development of a child.However, keep in mind that you don’t have to follow routines blindly, as there are times when you have no choice but to break them. If your family is celebrating a holiday or some relatives have come over, time has to be set aside to enjoy such precious moments - your child should not sleep too much and forget to live!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her Read more
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Mere Ghar Aayi Ek Nanhi Pari. But would I be able to protect her?
After having dinner, my husband asked me to have my regular medicine and take rest. I was nine months pregnant. “Kiyara, will be our daughter’s name.” my husband suddenly said and gave me a glass of water. “No, this time I will choose name for my angel and that will be Zahira.” I said. we both normally had discussions on the arrival of a new baby. As we were already blessed with a boy, KRISHAV, this time we desperately wanted a baby girl.
After some time when there was a deep silence in the room I heard a voice called me, “Mamma” I got scared, looked around, no one was there. I was wondered what was that and again the same voice,”mamma, don’t scared mamma, am your daughter, your angel.” I was trying to believe it and and she added, “can I ask you for something, Mamma.” I said ,”yes my dear, go on, ask for, without any hesitation.” “you love me na.”she said. “Of course, my dear, why so.”I asked eagerly.”Then don’t bring me to this world.” “what, but why my love,”.There was no limit to my wonder asking this.
“Mumma, that monster will be there. He will follow me everywhere, to my school, to relatives place, to public place, to college everywhere, I will go. He will try to touch me, on my cheeks, at my back, in my legs. Whatever clothes I will be in, whether, It will be my nappy, my first cute frock, my school uniform or my shorts, he will try to unfold it. He will scratch me, pull me and……. and….. and….. it hurts mumma…it hurts.
Down with tears I said, “No, my angel, your mumma and papa, will always be there for you, to protect you. We will save you.”
“But what if that monster is the most trusted one, Mumma. I can’t see you and Papa going through that pain. so please Mumma, don’t bring me to this cruel world.” and suddenly she started going out of my sight and lost in darkness.
Ans I shouted, “Angel….Angel.” and my husband was shouting louder, “Ria.. Ria, what happened, why are you crying in your dreams.” “oh, it was a dream.” I said. My husband gave me water and ask me to try to sleep again.
But after that night, I spent countless sleepless nights, thinking
Am I able to protect my daughter Read more
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Challenges That Parents Experience to Get Their Preschoolers Ready for a Fancy Dress Competition
Hi, parents! I want to share my recent experiences with my baby. When I got to know that there was a fancy dress competition in my baby's school the next week, my first thought was, "Oh wow nice!" But it was the first time she was taking part in a fancy dress competition.
We had one week so we went shopping. My husband and I wondered about the character we should select; I didn't want to dress my kid up like Krishna or Radha. After a long discussion, we settled on Balarama.
The next challenge was to understand how Balarama dressed, the weapons he carried, etc. Finally, we decided to buy a yellow dress, crown and ornaments from a store. After reaching home, I made my baby try the dress on.
Here new challenge starts. My baby started crying. No, I won't wear this.. she cried. We thought we could convince her by the coming week. Meanwhile, we had to make Balarama's plough. My husband did that and it turned out to be beautiful.
Days passed and the day for the fancy dress competition arrived. I couldn't sleep on the night before the competition. I was tensed and curious for the next day.
My husband dressed our baby up and applied bindi, etc etc.. She had become Balarama with a plough in her hand. We clicked pictures.
We took her to school. Teachers were so happy to see my baby dressed up as Balarama character..
They said it's a very new character, very creative plough.
I felt happy. We left the baby in school. Celebrations were done. In the afternoon, I went to pick my baby up from school. As soon as I went to school, I heard the very good news that my baby had won 1st prize.
I felt so happy. I can't express it in words. Happy happy and felt proud of my baby.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
8 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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