Dear Tulum,

We have chosen not to have a TV in the house. Occasionally our kids, ages 5 and 7, let us know that it is “cruel and unusual punishment” that they don’t have daily access to the junk their friends watch.

— How to handle that??

Dear How??,

Let them have their feelings.

Acknowledge their feelings. “You think it’s not fair that you can’t watch the shows your friends watch?”

As they complain more continue to parrot back what they’ve just told you.

When they seem to “run out” ask “Is there anything else?” Then listen.

When they feel complete say “Thank you.”

DO NOT TRY TO SOLVE, OR FIX THEIR FEELINGS OR ISSUES!

Then stick to your guns. You have made the best choice for your children’s development!

REMEMBER! TV and computer screens limit your child’s brain waves to the lower, reptilian portion of the brain and trap them in a fright and flight response pattern! We want those brain waves to go all the way up to the imaginative, creative portion of their brain which will help them problem solve and become great thinkers! NO MORE THAN ONE HALF HOUR OF “FLAT SCREEN” PER DAY! And better yet, none at all, and more hands on interactive play with three dimensional, purposeful activities!