How do you disagree with family? You just don't.

This past weekend I was talking to my husbands extended family about television shows geared towards children. I was actually just listening, but the conversation was very interesting. Someone said that these television shows were not good for children and the mother of the children said, I think that some of them can be good. The teenager said, what shows? The mom said that Dora the Explorer was a great show (or something to that effect). Then the discussion went on with an small argument between the two. However, I couldn't help but think that I disagree completely with the thought that Dora is a great show. It may have the potential, but ... think about this.

A child is sitting in front of the television and Dora asks, "What is 1+1?" As Dora pauses the child answers incorrectly, "1" or "3." Then Dora continues to say, "That's right, 2."

Woah. Now what do you think that is going to do to the child? At that age they are not able to understand why she said that he/she was right, but then said the answer was 2 (which is not what he/she said). How confused do you think this child will be?

I decided not to say anything because I didn't want to criticize her parenting. She is a great mom, but I think there are things about television for children that need to be improved. Another way the show could be successful is if mom sits down with the child and pauses the show to discuss each question Dora asks. Then when they've come up with the correct answer, press play and allow Dora to say, "Great Job." That way Dora is always saying great job to the correct answer, not just any answer. This, however, is not typically the way parents engage in television viewing with their children. Typically the child is plopped in front of the TV to fend for himself while the mom does the dishes. Sad.