The Elephant in the Living Room: Make Television Work for Your Kids

As a father of two young children, I have often wondered (guitily) whether I was failing as a parent by letting my children watch TV. Frankly, I enjoy watching TV myself, and have fond memories of watching it as a child. Plus, I find it is an indispensable "soux chef" at times to preparing meals or getting anything done around the house. Is this wrong? Everything I had read in the popular press suggested maybe it was, or maybe it wasn't, without any satisfying reasons either way. Finally, this book came along. It answered my questions and ended my feelings of guilt. It explains all the ways in which certain forms of TV can be good for children, in clear, entertaining language and with specific suggestions on how to maximize those opportunities. It further identifies the various forms of "bad" TV that exist (using really interesting, easy-to-understand examples from current research), and gives good suggestions on how to avoid that TV (or even better, how to turn them into learning opportunities themselves). In this book, TV is neither all good or all bad - but instead something that can be one or the other depending on how you approach it and use it. The authors give you a way to think about TV (along with practical advice) that (for me) provided reassurance about the TV I do watch - as well as renewed strength to stand up and turn off the TV that (let's face it, I knew already) shouldn't be watched by my kids. My sense of confusion and guilt has been replaced with a clear sense of understanding and purpose. I can't thank the authors enough.

As a pediatrician, I have waited a long time for a resource like The Elephant in the Living Room. It is clearly written, full of balanced and wise advice and invaluable to professionals who care for children and parents, alike. I appreciate the fresh approach to this important topic without preaching or overwhelming the reader with judgment.

At last, a book that helps involved parents make informed and thoughtful decisions about the ubiquitous TV. It's hard to believe that it's taken so long for this type of book to be written, but what a reflief that it finally has. As the father of a lively 6 year old boy, I've yet to come across a book related to parenting that is so readable while being interesting, relevant to day-to-day life, and genuinely useful. It's changed the way I think about TV, and I suspect it will actually improve that life of our family over the long haul (no small claim).

I found this book to offer great practical advice for parents around letting your kids watch TV. It was especially enlightening to read about how TV can impact sleep patterns. I also loved the tips at the end of each chapter. I would recommend this book to any parent with young kids.

This book is a "must-read" for every parent. As the parent of a toddler, I was wondering when I could introduce my child to "Sesame Street" and whether there is truly any value in such programs. This book answered those questions and so many more. In a clear, highly entertaining, and non-judgmental way, the authors skillfully weave together research findings about the effect of television on children (birth through adolescence) into a highly readable book. Various putative effects of television are discussed: obesity, lowered attention span, propensity toward drinking, smoking, and violent behavior. Instead of lecturing parents about what they must do, the book serves as a guide, informing parents of what the research tells us (much of it surprising) and encouraging them to weigh the information and decide what is best for their own children. I particularly appreciated the sensitivity toward gender issues and the information about how television might affect girls differently than boys. Normally I read at least two books about a subject I want to learn about. This is book is so good, I feel like I've gotten all the information I need.