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Perhaps the best example is Hannah in chapter one of 1 Samuel. She had been without a child and desperately wanted a son. While praying for a child, she promised God, "I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life" (1 Samuel 1:11). Hannah understood that a child is an incredible blessing from the Lord, and she knew that the only proper response would be to offer him back to God. In the same way, we must recognize the value of children and be willing to dedicate them to the Lord. However, we do not accomplish this task by leaving children at church, but instead Scripture tells us to "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

After determining to raise our children in a godly manner, the second step is to promote other activities besides cartoons. Reading is an excellent alternative, particularly because it develops such a vital skill. Take the time to find books that are suitable for your child's reading level, and if he is too young to read by himself, then read the books to him. Doing so will not only strengthen the bond between parent and child, but will also instill a love for books in your child at an early age.

In addition to reading, consider promoting games. Many games exist which you can easily substitute for cartoons or television, and practically all of them are better for your child. Board games, card games, and physical activities (such as sports, tag, etc.) stimulate the mind and cause children to think. The resultant higher brain activity means that children will use and develop a larger percentage of their brain than if they merely watched television or cartoons most of the time.

A third activity to promote is dramatic play. This type of activity is also considered role-playing and occurs when children act out life or imitate what they see their mom and dad do. An example is when two young girls dress up in "mommy's clothes" and play as if they were grown women with their own babies. Essentially, the children are imitating what they see and hear. Although many parents may not give much thought to dramatic play, this type of activity actually helps children to develop social skills and a unique personality.

As the final step in dealing with the effects of cartoons, parents must monitor what their children watch. Take the time to learn what your child is actually seeing. Many parents simply use the television as a pseudo-babysitter for their child. Avoid this mistake and watch the cartoons with your children. In doing so, evaluate the programs from a biblical viewpoint. Ask questions, such as "What does the Bible say about this type of behavior?" and, "Do I want my child acting this way?" Be sure to eliminate harmful programs. If a cartoon promotes or displays behavior that the Bible says is inappropriate, you should not allow your child to be influenced by that program. Take a stand for what is right, despite whatever society may be saying.

In response to the question of whether or not cartoons affect our children, we have seen that cartoons hamper mental development and promote improper attitudes and behavior. However, parents are not helpless in this matter; they can and should act by developing the right attitude toward their child, promoting other activities, and eliminating harmful content. Scripture has given parents a challenge to "train up a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6), and we must be determined to meet this responsibility at any cost. Although we have the answer to the original question of whether or not cartoons have an effect on our children, a far greater question is whether or not parents will make the effort to protect their child from these effects. Unlike the answer to the first issue, the answer to this question lies only with you.

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