Being in the PR business has embedded a few things into my every day life that I hope will stick with my kids. These are simple things like good communication skills, the ability to write coherently and most importantly, dealing with multiple personalities without fail.
One embedded nano-trait is the ability to see messaging a mile away and become very cynical about the types of messages your being spoon fed.
You know what I mean.
Remember this commercial?
That commercial is the classic spot that sticks in your head for days. McDonald’s isn’t trying to deliver any sneaky messages here. All they are saying is that hot damn, out filet-o-fish sandwhich is killer diller. Come and get some.
The spot ran over and over and over until it was drilled into my head. I loved it so much that I’d sing the spot randomly. Eventually my kids caught on. Check this out for example:
MadKids from Don Martelli on Vimeo.
As the kids watch more and more TV, they are exposed to more and more messaging. How, as a MadMan myself, do I prevent my kids from being MadKids? I don’t think I can pull it off.
How do you prevent your kids from being MadKids (other than the obvious, which is shutting off the TV)?
Bonus links: MadMen opening credits and the Simpson’s spoof.
This is so true. My kids can sing the tune and lyrics to a half-dozen commercials, mostly local commercials pimping carpet or pest control. It’s really amazing.
You can’t keep them away from it completely, in my view. If you get rid of the TV, the kids look at it as forbidden fruit.
Like everything else in child rearing, it’s balance and moderation.
Agreed Scott. Balance and moderation is key. But, regardless of TV or not, as a society we are bombarded by messaging — on the train, on the TV, on your mobile device, etc. Oh wait, what am I complaining about. That’s my J.O.B.