I like having some background noise as I go about my day, and it's usually the television. I'm a news junkie, so I usually tune in to Fox News. There's actually a small block of channels I switch between that includes TLC, Animal Planet, The Food Network and HGTV. Fox is my default channel because I can follow what they're talking about without actually stopping to watch. I used to have TLC on all the time, until one day I walked in and saw a four year old Miss E watching a breast augmentation surgery. After that I tried to be more aware of my background noise. Slowly but surely I had to eliminate TLC, Animal Planet and even The History Channel unless I was really able to pay attention. They all had shows that, while not objectionable by themselves, I didn't want the kids randomly watching. News is usually a safe bet because the kids are less likely to stop and watch. Also, the topics change quickly so they're not marinating in something I don't want them watching anyway. Then came the Casey Anthony trial. I swear Fox News has carried every disgusting second of it and invited guests to screech about every lurid detail and allegation. It's on constantly in the mornings. I try to change channels when the trial comes up - I mean, I really don't want my kids hearing about how this pretty young woman apparently researched doing horrid things to her toddler, then carried them out and hid the body. I understand why it's a newsworthy story, but the Fox coverage is just over the top. They repeat and repeat the most awful parts till I can't stand to see anymore myself. I've still caught Miss E raptly watching this sad story when I wasn't aware it was on. I don't want her steeping herself in the worst of humanity so I am declaring Fox News on my do not watch list unless I'm right there, aware of the conversation.
Are there television shows (or entire channels) you're careful about in your homes? I don't mean things like MTV or Comedy Central. They're obviously not family friendly. But who knew The History Channel would inspire nightmares? (It did in Miss E. She watched a show about WWII airplanes with me once and hand nightmares for several weeks.) What do you avoid when your kids are around? Is there a channel I'm overlooking that you find generally safe to just leave on a background noise?
