By Michelle Bullock, ContributorMY EIGHT-YEAR-OLD daughter Mellinda received instructions, as part of her homework assignment for the weekend, to watch the 7:00 o'clock news on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. As the time approached on Friday evening I reminded her of the assignment. She told me that she wasn't going to watch it that night, after all she had two more nights to do so.
OK, I thought, that sounded reasonable so I allowed her to watch 'Proud Family'. (I think that was the cartoon that was airing at the time). Then Saturday's news came and went she had another night. Sunday at about five minutes to seven I called her to come and join me so we could watch the news together. She seemed hesitant.
"Baby", I asked, "what's the matter?" She began slowly, "Mummy, it's just that, I don't like to watch the news."
"Why?" I asked, but I had already guessed the answer.
"When I watch it I get nightmares," she finally blurted out. I didn't need to ask her to elaborate.
Now, here I am with the dilemma. Do I tell her to disregard her teacher's instructions and not watch the news, or do I subject my child to the horror that we call news, all in the name of education, and then look on helplessly later on as she fights the demons in her sleep.
I thought back to all the articles I had read on good parenting to remember if any had carried advice or words of wisdom that I could use. There had been advice about violence on TV but I don't think any of them talked about the evening news. Finally, I felt that since it was Sunday night the news should not be as distressing as during the week. I told her as much so we sat down to watch Mellinda, serious and attentive and me, concerned and fingers crossed.
As the face of the newscaster appeared on our screen I said a silent prayer. Hurricane Michelle (no, it was not named after me) took up most of the time. There were cases of people stealing from a factory during the flood and of bombs found in a Deputy Superintendent's house. Still, I was happy. There was no blood, no dead bodies.
Yet it struck me as I thought about it afterwards that maybe the news should be considered adult programming that's broadcast after 11:00 o'clock each night.
What do you think? Experts, concerned parents need your help in this.
What's on your mind? Tell us and we'll publish it in this space we've created especially for you. It could be a quirky observation or a serious note, we only ask that you keep it to about 350 words (include a recent photograph and a phone number or an address). We also welcome your letters. Send your views to Flair Co-ordinator Fax: 922-6223; e-mail: lifestyle@gleanerjm.com; by mail: 7 North Street, Kingston.
