The way to be a good parent

Stories about the obvious always perplex me. I'm constantly asking "Did that really deserve a news report?" The latest is a Live Science article about how kids who watch too much television at age 2 will have problems in the classroom, making friends and being bullied when they are 10 years old.

Too much TV on the kids' part represents a parenting problem. Just like eating a well-balanced meal is essential to good health, you need to put the effort into making sure your child receives a good balance of life. That includes spiritual development, reading, socializing, school, exercise and serving others, with a little TV and video games thrown in for extra fun. That creates a well-balanced child (who will grow into a well-balanced adult capable of taking care of himself or herself).

My wife and I let our 2-year-old son watch little less than an hour of TV a day. And it's mostly done so she can finish important stuff around the house without distraction. We spend far more time reading to him, playing outside with him, taking him to church and giving him playtime with his friends (teaching social skills) than we do sticking him in front of a television, so his primary influence comes from us.

When you become a parent, your priorities need to shift. You need to make sure that the needs of your spouse and children are met before you take time for yourself. It's what comes with the blessing of a family. People who think their daily obligations end when they get home from an 8-hour workday are the ones who will end up with bad marriages and obese, undisciplined kids.

Do right by your family. Look out for them first instead of having cartoons do it for you.