Low information diet and kids

[gooki]

I grew up watching the 6 o'clock news every night. This is something I no longer do, mostly because I don't appreciate the sensationalising. I actually get pissed off when my dad watches the news when my children are in the room.

So how do my fellow mustachians manage a low information diet while also broadening their children's knowledge of the diverse challenges people face all around the world?

[NearlyThere]

I plan to travel and read a whole lot to our child. If we travel for an extended period, then it'll be ensuring we all get language skills and integrate with the communities there.

[Dee18]

Volunteering in our own city opened my daughter's eyes to disparities at a young age.  When we traveled she saw even more, but I think volunteering at a young age made the biggest difference.  In elementary school she did volunteer work with her scout troop, a church group, and a little bit with her school.  From 7th through 11th grade she tutored homeless kids in math once a week at an after school program.  My father bought us a tv "for a present" when she was about 9.  My parents were babysitting while I was on a business trip.  I was torn, but caved in on having a tv at that point, although no cable.  That was partly because she and her best friend always wanted to go to the friend's house because she had a tv.

[sheepstache]

What do you do to inform yourself now? Why not just include your kids in that. For example, my parents read the newspaper in the morning and would read out articles to me they thought were interesting. This way you model good habits about how to approach information about the world rather than just getting them the information.

[bogart]

For example, my parents read the newspaper in the morning and would read out articles to me they thought were interesting.

What is this -- "newspaper" -- you mention? 

We don't watch the news, but DS hears plenty of NPR ...

[mama]

I think it's a question of kids ages.  My kids are 2.5 and 4.5 and I think they're too young for most news of the violent and tragic sort.  I am cutting back on listening to NPR in the car with my kids, even though that's my primary source of news, because there is a lot that I'm not ready to explain.  Sure they can listen to the political news, pieces about global warming, general talk.

[sheepstache]

For example, my parents read the newspaper in the morning and would read out articles to me they thought were interesting.

What is this -- "newspaper" -- you mention? 

We don't watch the news, but DS hears plenty of NPR ...

Ha ha, yes, well that's why I specified it as being an example and as being my parents. Naturally I'm not expecting anyone to be reading a newspaper. That's the problem is your kid can't tell if you're reading a newspaper or 50 Shades of Grey on your tablet at the breakfast table.

[gooki]

Thanks for the replies. Mama, my children are the same age as yours, so this is mostly about getting a plan in place for the future.

Reading a lot is something we already do. And international travel is on the cards for the future. Adding volunteering and reading some non-fiction books as they get older, as well as including them in discussions sounds like a good plan to me.

What do you do to inform yourself now?

Thats a good question. I follow two websites, one focused on financial news, the other technology news. But other than that, I get my general news through the grape vine. If we feel a current topic is important, my wife and I will discuss it.