Recently my three year old became interested in watching cartoons. Before he was never interested in watching any television and few movies. He has about 4 cartoons that we deem ok and that he enjoys watching. However, during the commercial breaks while he is watching these shows I constantly here "I want that" or "hey mommy I want one of those too". Now while Jacob has always enjoyed toys as much as the next child, he has never been, for lack of a better word, this greedy.
I am appalled at how easy it is for retailers and advertisers to get to our children! There minds are so inpressionable at this young age. This is when they are forming values, habits and personalities for themselves. I feel, as a parent, that advertisers do not have any place to try and make an impression on my young child's mind.
I know that I am making the choice to let him watch television in the first place, but seriously, shouldn't a child be able to watch an educational childs program without being subjected to the advertisers cunning and sneaky suggestions that they need every new toy going? I shouldn't have to worry about changing the channel the second the show is over so that he is not subjected to the advertisers mercy.
I understand that as a parent it is my resonsability to guide my child to become a grounded person with good values and morals. I just wish I didn't have to contend with all these flashy ad's so early in my childrens lives.
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