Switch off TV and watch your children’s grades go up

Seyi Williams

Mrs. Seyi Oshikanlu studied chemistry at the University of Ibadan, but she is now into education. She tells KEMI ASHEFON how she switched to the education line

THIS is her assignment for parents: Switch off the TV sets in your home for a month and allow your children to invest the time spent on watching TV in reading. You can now check if their grades improve or not.

A good move? Well, that is the gospel according to Mrs. Seyi Oshikanlu, the manager, The Manor Day Nursery, Asokoro, Abuja. One of the few early years learning centres in the Federal Capital Territory, the school is popularly known for the adventurous camping for children and teenagers.

Does this school proprietor have an aversion for TV? ”No,” is her sharp reply. ”I personally don‘t like the idea of using TV as a nanny, especially when parents are busy. Though there are a few educational programmes on TV that children can learn from, you cannot substitute TV for the kids‘ quality time with human beings.

”In our home, we don‘t watch TV during the week. I always tell my children that people who watch TV are not on TV. You are there at home as couched potatoes, while people are outside doing things that are newsworthy.

”When it is time for children to watch, parents should have a TV guide and pick out educational stuff for them and not mindless soap operas or films. Learn to pick ones that will impact their lives.