Common Sense Media

Commonsensemedia.org

As a dad, I constantly feel torn between needing to be a strict "Tiger Dad" vs. wanting to be a "fun dad." On the one hand, I have a responsibility to protect my kids. On the other hand, I want to have close bonds with them, to share in their lives, and not to be the bad guy all the time.

Devon Corneal

Lawyer, Mother

Not since Barney and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood have I been so profoundly affected by children's entertainment. I'm not normally the type of person who writes to celebrities, so I hope you appreciate how intense my feelings are. I will never be the same again. I hate you.

JJ Keith

Writer www.jjkeith.net

Long before I was a housewife writing letters to sentient trains, I studied anthropology, and thus far I haven't been able to make sense of you and your friends.

Amelia

Mother, wife, partner and breadwinner

When my 7-year-old son announced to us that he is gay, the last thing I thought about was television. But as he has continued to hold firm to this identity, I have become aware of the lack of gay characters in the television shows and movies he likes to watch.

Kuae Kelch Mattox

National President, Mocha Moms, Inc.

Many parents seem hugely conflicted about whether to go cold turkey and draw a hard line. The dirty little secret in our house is that we allow our three children, ages 8, 11 and 14, to watch TV. But we've set some hard and firm rules for which they must abide.

Abi Cotler

Woman writing while interrupted by tiny voices. Weekly at Patch.com

I hesitate to write about this because when I even tell just one other parent that we don't do media, I see the walls that can instantly go up. Am I judging them? Am I trying to convert? I truly am not.

Angela Santomero

Creator & Producer, "Blue's Clues," "Super Why"

Not all children's shows are educational and not all shows that claim to be "educational" actually help kids learn. PBS's children's shows adhere to stringent educational goals.