Do you allow your children to watch cartoons, or certain tv programs, are you selective in what they watch or is tv completely committed from their lives? As a new parent and one who is aware of the ill effects of tv I would personally prefer my child doesn’t watch anything except that which is beneficial I.e nature documentaries etc I need advice on this issue as some say if you don’t let your child to watch cartoons your depriving him of his childhood I disagree. Alhamdu lillaah we don’t have a tv at home.
Answer
باسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله وعلى آله وأصحابه ومن والاه
Assalamualaikum. May Allah bless you.
Your concern is praiseworthy. Diligence is always required, especially with our children.
Cartoons of an educative, clean and beneficial nature definitely help children develop their language and other content-related skills.
If you can gain access to these sorts of cartoons, I would not advise you against letting your child watch these on the condition that your child's time with these cartoons or any activity is done at the right time, in the right place, and for the right amount of time.
We, as well as our children, should never overdo anything, as everything done in excess has counterproductive results. At the same time, we should never underdo anything, and the challenge is always finding a balance and striking it.
I know of many children who have learned Arabic through viewing beneficial children's Arabic cartoons, and many children have picked up a plethora of beneficial general information through these mediums.
To further improve your child's experience with cartoons, please avoid, as and when you can, using the cartoons as a babysitter, but rather sit with your child and make the cartoon viewing session an interactive one by posing several questions suitable to their age during the viewing process so that their minds continue to think and analyse, which is better for them than just entering a trance.
And Allah knows best.