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Issue Date: April 29, 2007
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How to watch TV with your kids
A parenting expert says the big season-ending shows can make great family viewing -- if you watch wisely.
By Linda Fears
Parents needn't panic over TV's May sweeps.
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It's almost time for the fabled May sweeps, the period when TV networks pump up the programming so that more Americans will tune in to see what happens, who wins, who lives and who doesn't make it to next season. While guessing the outcome on American Idol has become a favorite family activity, increasingly, kids of all ages are watching the same prime-time dramas adults are hooked on, eager to decode the grisly clues on "CSI" or track the latest bed-swapping on "Grey's Anatomy."
Like most parents, you're probably worried and overwhelmed by what seems like an onslaught of grown-up images and plotlines that your kids are tuning in to -- especially those in the coming weeks.
The good news: With foresight and oversight, parents needn't panic. To help, "Family Circle" magazine has come up with smart, simple strategies on turning tube time into a positive experience.
Pick a program that you can all watch together, like "Idol," "Dancing with the Stars" or "Ugly Betty" [see guide below]. You'll enjoy some family time you might otherwise miss and have lots of opportunities to talk to your kids about topics from how talent and hard work can pay off to the importance of brains over beauty.
Make a list of "approved" shows geared to your children's ages, and ask them to follow it. In big families, younger siblings usually watch what the big kids do. So tell your teens to record that new episode of "Lost," "Heroes" or anything else that might give the younger ones nightmares, and save it for later.
Ask your kids what their favorite shows are. Try to check out the content, either on the show's website or by recording it first if you can. Also, "know that they're watching lots of stuff -- violence, sex, drinking and drugs -- that might conflict with your values," says James Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media, which reviews TV shows and movies for families. "That doesn't mean you make TV off-limits, since your kids will likely go to their friend's house to watch. It does mean that you should watch a couple of episodes with your kids and talk afterward about why you don't like what you saw."
Be mindful of what you're watching. Of course you're dying to see how Jack Bauer saves the world again on "24." Just be sure that the younger kids are asleep, and be prepared to talk to your 17-year-old about the show's graphic violence. That way, when Bauer tortures another would-be terrorist, you can explain why violence is unacceptable and how the ends don't justify the means. And although Meredith may have slept with Derek and George on "Grey's Anatomy" -- not to mention George with Callie and Izzie, and Izzie with Alex -- you discuss the consequences of sexual promiscuity. "Kids don't always get that what they see on the TV isn't reality," Steyer explains. "Often, it takes an adult to point that out."
The bottom line is be involved. "If you tell your children what you think about the images, characters and messages, they'll never watch TV the same way again," Steyer says. "They may say you're old-fashioned, but they'll always have your voice in their head. You will have shaped their values and helped them to make decisions on their own. And that's the most important thing a parent can do."
Linda Fears is editor in chief of "Family Circle" magazine.
Cover and cover story illustrations by Robert de Michiell for USA WEEKEND
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Our May sweeps family guide
Check out these shows to watch with the kids.
By Richard Huff
This time of year, the networks load up with juicy story lines, explosive finales and big-name guest stars, all in an effort to boost ratings. And if you think your kids aren't watching, think again.
According to Nielsen Media Research, an estimated 1.1 million kids ages 2 to 14 watch "Grey's Anatomy," in which the young, hot doctors drop their clothes faster than you can yell "clear." Some 650,000 kids in that age bracket tune in to TV's terrifying "24," while 963,000 are glued to "CSI," the graphic crime drama.
Still, there's a slew of shows families should watch together. May's best bets, along with the lessons parents can mine:
Ghost Whisperer, CBS
Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) can't shake a ghost who's dropping clues about impending disaster, while she sees visions of the death of someone near and dear. It's not a scary show, so it can be used to teach school-age kids about the death of a friend or family member.
American Idol, Fox
Rocker Jon Bon Jovi and his band will school the finalists on the ins and outs of the music business as the talent competition nears its big finale. He has a new CD due out in June. But you may not know that he's also involved in activities that "give back," such as building homes for the poor. He makes volunteering cool, and you can use his appearance on TV's biggest show to get your kids to think so, too.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC
Singer-actress Mandy Moore (right, with cast members) and the Rockettes appear in a two-hour season finale in which the crew builds a house for a single mom of four, two of whom are HIV-positive. It offers a great jumping-off point to talk about HIV awarenessand tolerance.
Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, Fox
A word of caution to parents: Lose, and you'll never hear the end of it.
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Producers say the show is too new for May stunts -- but a big payoff is coming. Watch with the kids as Jeff Foxworthy peppers adultcontestants with questions out of grammar-school textbooks. See how smart your children are, and just how much you've forgotten.
The Simpsons, Fox
Doh! The animated classic marks its 400th episode in May with "The Kent Statement Massacre." Kent Brockman accidentally utters an obscenity during a live newscast, leading to an FCC fine and the loss of his job. Use the incident to talk about appropriate language for kidsat home, in school andin public.
Jericho, CBS
Facing a mushroom cloud, residents of this Kansas town end the season fending off an attack by residents of a neighboring town. A main character dies, which could be tough for young viewers. But this show should spark a conversation, especially with teens, about how safe our world might -- or might not -- be.
Survivor: Fiji, CBS
Now the backstabbing really kicks in and the lies unravel, after we've watched this group battling harsh conditions in Fiji. Five players go into the finale; one will be a millionaire when it's over. This is the perfect show for discussion about keeping promises and when to work together or alone. And what not to do on summer vacation.
The Amazing Race, CBS
We've lost Rob and Amber, Kevin and Drew, and David and Mary this season, when the globe-trotting contestants were culled from past shows. It's down to the last stop. Parents and kids can pick teams and root for favorites. The show offers a way to ignite kids' interest in the people and ways of far-off lands, without the heavy-handedness of a documentary.
Richard Huff is TV editor for the "New York Daily News."
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May Sweeps Preview
The inside scoop on the biggest season finales!
E! Entertainment's TV guru has the 411 on your favorite shows.
By Kristin Veitch
We've scouted out the exclusive scoop on some of TV's most anticipated 2007 season "enders," straight from the showrunners (the folks in charge behind the scenes) themselves. Take a look.
Heroes, NBC
The first season of this breakout hit (starring Hayden Panettiere) has been leading up to one catastrophic event -- a nuclear explosion in New York City -- and showrunner Tim Kring promises fans answers. "Keep in mind that this show is not serialized in a way like "Lost" is. We're going to wrap things up by the end of the season, and we will know whether or not the bomb goes off. And we'll start to understand all the seemingly coincidental connections between the characters' lives."
Grey's Anatomy, ABC
Cristina (Sandra Oh) and Burke (Isaiah Washington) are going to the chapel, but will they actually get married? Creator Shonda Rhimes reveals: "The interns' first year will finally come to an end with the intern exam, a chief will be named, Cristina and Burke will make it to the church, Meredith and Derek will face an uncertain future, and the triangle that is Callie, Izzie and George will become more complex. Plus, there will be surgeries and sex. Lots of surgeries and sex."
Lost, ABC
"I'm sorry, because no matter what I do -- you're going to die, Charlie." This proclamation from Desmond earlier this season certainly made it seem as though Dominic Monaghan (Charlie) wouldn't survive "Lost's" third season. And, according to executive producer Damon Lindelof, that is a very real possibility. But the show's resident baddies also better watch their backs. "The finale will culminate in a fairly cool showdown between our survivors and the Others," he says, "and lives will be lost on both sides."
The Office, NBC
Will Jim and Pam ever get together? This is the question fans have been dying to know all season, and it certainly seems like The Office finally could be making this dream come true, as a newly bold Pam has learned to speak her mind and ask for what she wants (Jim!). As for the rest of the Dunder-Mifflin gang, showrunner Greg Daniels gives this tease on the hour-long season ender: "A job opening in corporate pits co-worker against co-worker as Michael, Jim and Karen all head to New York for final interviews. In Scranton, Dwight's new regime institutes some sweeping reforms, Pam plays an interesting role, and Jan has 'exciting' news." Hmmm ... could someone have a bun in the oven?
CSI, CBS
In last year's season finale, "CSI" fans were shocked to learn of a romance between two of the lead characters, Grissom (William Petersen) and Sara (Jorja Fox). Now, it's their colleagues' turn to get the surprise. "The 'CSIs' will finally find out about Grissom and Sara's relationship," executive producer Naren Shankar reveals to us of the season ender. And as if that weren't enough to keep Grissom occupied, "the miniature killer returns," Shankar says, "but this time gets very personal with Grissom."
24, Fox
For Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), it's just another day and just another chance to save the world. But what happens at the end of that day is going to blow the fans away, according to executive producer Evan Katz. "The season finale will be explosive, literally, as we are going out with a very big bang, action- and suspense-wise," he says. And because the finale is unlike anything "24" has shot before, Katz isn't giving anything else away. He vows the reveal will be worth the wait.
How I Met Your Mother, CBS
Here comes the bride, and it's ... Lily! Yes, Lily (Alyson Hannigan) and Marshall (Jason Segel) are finally getting hitched in the season ender of How I Met Your Mother -- however, the day will be anything but what they had planned. "The relationships of both couples on the show go to a whole new place," executive producer Craig Thomas tells us. "Also, I think we may be one of the first shows in TV history to end a season midsentence. To be even more specific, midword. It's a cliffhanger. You've got to tune in for Season 3 to see how that word ends." Wo-!
Catch Kristin Veitch on E! News Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. ET, or read "Watch with Kristin" at eonline.com.
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