Beware Webkinz®

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Well, I will agree that too many kids are left to themselves for too many hours in front of the boob tube. However, I see many replies here that reflect my own opinions before I had kids. I too thought Barney was the most annoying character ever to be dreamed up by commercial TV. However, I now have 2 incredible little girls who are the light of my life. And while I still find Barney a bit annoying, if you are honest and open-minded, it is a very good show and teaches good lessons to the kids. Much better than some of the fluff out there. And while I wish I could devote 24 hours a day to my kids, the reality is that I can't. Even if I did not have to work and sleep, I still need to have some time to myself, as does my wife. Television does not replace taking care of your kids, as some parents seem to think, but some shows can provide education and entertainment for the kids.

[SnakeEyes]

Whatever happened to going outside to play?

[RK-REX]

Grant-

I've got two words for your problem. CHIPPER SHREDDER!! Then quickly replace with a puppy.


Dee and others who remember legos-

You can buy them by the pound on Ebay if you look. A few years ago my buddies son was stuck in a must have toys on TV mode. I picked up what amounted to 2, 5 gallon buckets of legos for under $100. I kept one for myself and gave him the other. He still plays with them and so do I. ;)

Nicholas got a 99 piece craftsman tool set for his coming home present. He was early and spend a few days in hospital after being born. I wanted to start the lad out right. So what if he was only 5 pounds. Now he's nearly two and the only TV he gets to watch is Noggin (a safe childrens network without advertising) and Thomas The Train DVDs. Hour a day and 2 on weekends. This leads to what Snake said.

[Bob C]

Well, I will agree that too many kids are left to themselves for too many hours in front of the boob tube. However, I see many replies here that reflect my own opinions before I had kids. I too thought Barney was the most annoying character ever to be dreamed up by commercial TV. However, I now have 2 incredible little girls who are the light of my life. And while I still find Barney a bit annoying, if you are honest and open-minded, it is a very good show and teaches good lessons to the kids. Much better than some of the fluff out there. And while I wish I could devote 24 hours a day to my kids, the reality is that I can't. Even if I did not have to work and sleep, I still need to have some time to myself, as does my wife. Television does not replace taking care of your kids, as some parents seem to think, but some shows can provide education and entertainment for the kids.

Good post, Rob. It's easy to climb up on the soapbox of self-importance and pronounce yourself and your not-yet-existing offspring to be above such things.

The fact is, Barney gave me an uninterrupted half-hour to get supper made when I was a single dad. One of my most vivid memories of my eldest daughter's toddlerhood is seeing her dancing and giggling while while watching this purple dinosaur that I knew nothing about (I soon learned).

Today, my teenage daughters are both principal's list students. One is an accomplished athlete and the other plays two musical instruments and participates in drama club. Both sing in the school chorus. Both want to be teachers.

Barney didn't hurt them a bit.