Auto DVD…friend or foe?

Last Friday, my wife and I began our new lease commitment, locking ourselves into a 2-yr. contract on a 2005 GMC Envoy with all the fixins'. Sadly enough, in our two futile attempts to “shop” for a new vehicle, our only requirement was the DVD entertainment system. But somehow, our sales agent (who shall remain anonymous) managed to load us up with leather interior, XM satellite radio, moisture-sensored wipers, and even the headlight wipers with, what we're told, a spray range equal to that of a Super Soaker Flash Flood Blaster. And who says American consumers are gullible? But the real prize, the gem that sealed the deal, was the DVD player. Why you may ask? Let's just say it was the primary tool in our plan to regulate our 2-year old daughter's energy level during those lengthy trips to daycare, grandma's house and any other journey that involved more than 20-minutes of sitting time inside a vehicle.

Which brings me to the main question here, and that is “Is an auto DVD player really a parent's gift from heaven or a corrupt brainwashing tool from hell?” I know, I've heard the arguments. The experts who claim television leads to obesity, poor eating habits and a lack of exercise in kids. And, while I do agree, that hefty doses of the “boob tube” can negatively affect the developing minds of our little ones, does that same evidence also apply to a 20-minute taste of Dora en route to the local Farmer Jack? Perhaps. But perhaps the real problem lies in our own hands, the parents. Now, I admit, in the four days that we've had this crazy gadget, my wife and I have been more than liberal in allowing our daughter to participate. After all, two eyes frozen on a 12x15 screen sure beats a struggling, screaming toddler. But, I also see our new little toy as more of a novelty right now than a long-term behavioral tool. I mean who wouldn't want to use an auto DVD player if you've never had one before? Hell, I'm tempted to escape to the garage, hide out for a while and take in a few hours of “National Treasure” when the household turns chaotic. But, I know better. Just as I know better for my kids. In a week or so, we'll tighten the reins on the traveling television access and return to the familiar lyrics of “Rubber Duckie” or perhaps just engage in a good parent-child conversation on the way home from daycare; relying on the DVD only for those severe episodes when our toddler behaves more like the Frankenstein monster strapped to an operating table than the sweet little girl she really is. And, eventually, our daughter will grow accustomed to this pattern, as well, and ease up on her requests for “Meet Diego” or “1-2-3, Count With Me”. Because, in the end, it really does come down to the parents, and this is just one, of about a million incidents I'm sure, where we have to put our parenting skills to work in order to ensure the best for our kids. After all, there are plenty of ways for kids to become obese, eat poorly and not exercise. In my mind, parents who do not take an active role in monitoring their children's life are at the top of that list.