Positive Media
In a world where our children are bombarded with all sorts of media such as TV, music, books and toys from day one, sometimes working out what and how much of it is good or bad for them can be quite tricky.
Although some health bodies suggest no television for children under 2 sometimes this isn’t always possible. So how can we change something that can be seen as quite negative, into something beneficial?
We are very lucky to have around us a wealth of easily accessible positive media through which a child can learn about a whole range of positive messages such as love, sharing, friendship, humility, seva, sacrifice, language and education.
As a first time parent I found media very useful with our now 15 month old. Our day in the morning may start from recalling a story book from the night before or remembering the tune of simran we were singing to yesterday. During the day we try to keep the TV off as much as possible. We also have a few positive videos we have saved on our iPad for difficult car journeys. To settle him, we may sing to him Sikhi related lullaby’s that we have made up or found in books. We may also use the range of Sikhi channels to find a simran tune we can all sing along to.
Before bed we have huge choice of books to start to introduce Sikhi principles into our LOs life. We hope that these little steps will enable our LO to use media as he grows as something positive and beneficial, even if despite all our efforts Peppa Pig is still his favourite!
So parents, go and explore the wealth of media available to us. Here is list of some of the useful videos/ books etc that we and our LO have found useful and fun too!
Books:
Ik Chota Bacha Sikh Nursery Ryhmes – great selection of nursery rhymes that you can start singing to your baby as soon as they are born. The book also comes with an audio CD. LO now sings along.
The First Step – lovely colourful book with appealing pictures that can be used at bedtime and teach your LO about different virtues love, bravery, sharing and humility through the Mool Mantar.
Selection of Punjabi folktales – will teach your child Punjabi words through lovely colourful stories
Videos
Chal Seva Kariye – Video with other young children singing about Seva and why it is important
The Gurus Song – teach your child about our Guru sahibs and about their jeevan. Our 15 month has picked up all the actions to it – so amazing to see.
Chaar Sahibzaade – inspirational and educational animated film for all ages. We just keep playing the trailer on repeat at the moment.
