Summer is finally here. That means backyard
cookouts, sports at the park, and trips
to the beach. It also means the kids are
out of school and eager to have fun.
With
so much activity at home, it’s tempting
to plop the kids down in front of their
favorite DVD or let your teenager hole up
in his room with a new video game. But allowing
the summer to become one long media binge
for your kids can lead to regretful consequences.
In addition to the heap of research warning
against unlimited, unmonitored media, a
media-saturated summer can make it seem
impossible to get back in the swing of things
when school rolls around.
Instead of staring at a screen this summer,
take the opportunity to help your kids develop
healthy habits like getting exercise, playing
in the fresh air, and eating fresh, nutritious
food. This summer, turn down the media and
turn up healthy, active fun.
It only takes a little bit of planning to
give your kids a healthy head start. But
the payoff is huge. For instance, instead
of eating in front of the TV, try to schedule
a healthy dinner together. Eating as a family
sometimes requires a little schedule shuffling,
but that time to gather can bring you closer
together. And instead of popping in a video,
help your kids start a leaf collection in
the backyard or teach them a vigorous new
game, like freeze tag or badminton. Even
simply sitting on the front steps and reading
out loud is great way to take advantage
of the beautiful weather.
Turning down the media doesn’t necessarily
mean turning it off. But remember, the best
way to watch media is as a family. Establish
a weekly program you watch together and
talk about it afterward, or make a tradition
of family movie night at home, the multiplex,
or the drive in.
When the summer is over your kids probably
won’t thank you for keeping them away
from their electronic screens. But you’ll
thank yourself when you see them back at
school, healthy, and happy from a summer
of real-world fun.
MediaWise
Network Update: Online Resources
Real, powerful change happens when we work
together. That’s why, in December of
2005, we created the MediaWise Network,
which is already 1,000 members strong and
growing every day! The Network is a free
online resource that connects MediaWise
parent advocates so you can share ideas
and receive special tools designed specifically
to help you take action in your homes, schools
and communities. Here are some of the materials
available in the Network right now:
Updated Action Kits including the
MediaWise House Party Kit and Community
Reads Kit – everything you need
to “start the MediaWise conversation”
in your community.
MediaWise Internet Respect Plans for
parents looking to start their children’s
Internet use off on the right foot.
Parent Guides to popular online teen
hangouts MySpace.com and YouTube.com.
Special interviews with Dr. Walsh
on keeping your children safe on the
Internet.
And more!
Network Member
Feedback
Gayle Whiting has been a Network
member since February and understands
the value of sharing the MediaWise
message with others. Her feedback
about the Network shows how we can
create powerful change, one conversation
at a time. And the Network will
give you tools to make it easy and
fun! Here’s what Gail has to
say about the Network:
”What you are doing is important.
It touches the lives of others through
direct contacts you make. You plant
a seed and it grows. Someone makes
a better decision because of what
they have learned. “
Media
Tips for Early Childhood
Don’t let babies under
two-years-old watch screens.
Studies show that TV may impair
development and increase the
likelihood of attention disorders
later in life.
Have older kids watch age-appropriate
TV. Educational programs are
best. Use videos to limit commercials.
Keep TVs out of the bedroom.
Research has found that kids
with TVs in their bedrooms have
more trouble in school and are
more likely to engage in risky
behaviors.
Institute, Cargill
Launch MediaWise® North Minneapolis Project
Thanks to a grant from Cargill Foundation, the
National Institute on Media and the Family has launched
a new MediaWise project in North Minneapolis. The half
million-dollar grant, which funds other Institute efforts
as well, will be used to create a network of 150 MediaWise
child care providers. The project will partner with
community agencies, child learning centers, faith communities,
and businesses to provide MediaWise resources throughout
the community.
Community planning is already underway for this effort
to provide child development information about the impact
of media habits on school readiness and success. When
fully implemented, the project will serve the community
at large and informal day care providers throughout
the nine neighborhoods that make up North Minneapolis.
The first series of MediaWise trainings will begin in
the fall of 2006.
We urge all interested parties, especially organizations
eager to learn more about the project or participate
in it, to contact the Institute at earlychild@ mediafamily.org.
Meet
Trina James
Trina
James began her relationship with the Institute in 2003
when she worked on the MediaWise family pilot project
at the La Crèche Early Childhood Center in North
Minneapolis. Today she is continuing to spread the MediaWise
message as project director for the new Northside Early
Childhood project.
A mother of four with over a decade of experience in
early childhood work, Trina holds a certificate in human
services from Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
She worked with Head Start as a parent-child advocate
for several years and has also served as a community
builder for the Minneapolis Park District for the past
four years.
We’re proud to have Trina as part of the MediaWise
team, and we are grateful for her work with Minneapolis
families.
Philanthropist
Denny Sanford Donates $100,000
A
few years ago, philanthropist Denny Sanford saw Institute
founder David Walsh, PhD speak about the MediaWise movement.
A longtime philanthropist committed to improving the
lives of children, Mr. Sanford was intrigued by the
Institute’s approach to helping children and families.
Since that day, Mr. Sanford has taken a keen interest
in the Institute’s growing programs and achievements.
Recently, seeing in the Institute a unique opportunity
to reach thousands of children and families, Mr. Sanford
donated $100,000 to help us continue and expand our
work. “Children’s issues are at the heart
of the programs I support,” said Sanford. “I
believe it is important to offer children a healthy
and strong start in life.”
A South Dakota native, Mr. Sanford has a long history
of investing in organizations that support children
in their formative years. This year his generosity earned
him a spot among the top 20 American donors, according
to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. He funds numerous
children’s health initiatives including Sioux Valley
Hospital’s new Sanford Children’s Hospital
to open in 2009 and a pediatric outpatient center at
the Mayo Clinic. We are deeply grateful for his generous
support.
Dr.
Walsh Earns Two New Awards
We’re proud to announce two recent awards for our
president and founder, David Walsh, PhD:
The University of Minnesota's College of Education
and Human Development named Dr. Walsh as one of
their top 100 outstanding alumni for his contributions
to parenting and family education.
For his contributions to adolescent health, the
Dartmouth College Medical School's Hugh Mac- Namee
Memorial Trust honored Dr. Walsh at their annual
conference.
Both honors are a testament to Dr. Walsh’s years
of service on behalf of families and children. All of
us at the Institute congratulate him on his deserved
recognition.
You can help us help families
Future research and outreach efforts would not be possible
without continued support.
The Institute accepts donations via mail, telephone, and
online:
Editor:
Monica Walsh
Writing and Design:
New School Communications
National
Institute on Media and the
Family
606 24th Avenue South, Suite 606, Minneapolis,
MN 55454 Toll-free 888.672.5437
Fax 612.672.4113 Web site www.mediafamily.org
Individuals and organizations are encouraged
to print and distribute copies of this newsletter.
Please call for permission to republish any
of this material.
The Institute’s mission is to maximize
the benefits and minimize the harm of
media on children and families through research,
education, and advocacy.
Our
media culture is changing how kids learn.
Together we make sure it's for the better. Donate
Now!
With
so much activity at home, it’s tempting
to plop the kids down in front of their
favorite DVD or let your teenager hole up
in his room with a new video game. But allowing
the summer to become one long media binge
for your kids can lead to regretful consequences.
In addition to the heap of research warning
against unlimited, unmonitored media, a
media-saturated summer can make it seem
impossible to get back in the swing of things
when school rolls around. 
Trina
James began her relationship with the Institute in 2003
when she worked on the MediaWise family pilot project
at the La Crèche Early Childhood Center in North
Minneapolis. Today she is continuing to spread the MediaWise
message as project director for the new Northside Early
Childhood project. 
A
few years ago, philanthropist Denny Sanford saw Institute
founder David Walsh, PhD speak about the MediaWise movement.
A longtime philanthropist committed to improving the
lives of children, Mr. Sanford was intrigued by the
Institute’s approach to helping children and families.
Since that day, Mr. Sanford has taken a keen interest
in the Institute’s growing programs and achievements.
