Only by talking about what鈥檚 on screen will your child develop the critical thinking skills central to media literacy. So, point out things you like and don鈥檛 like. Convey your values by using simple declarative statements to share your reactions to what鈥檚 on screen. For example:
鈥淚 like this part because [reason].鈥�
鈥淚 don鈥檛 think he should be lying about that.鈥�
鈥淚 don鈥檛 agree with her decision.鈥�
鈥淣o one is listening to her! They should listen to their friend.鈥�
鈥淗e鈥檚 being greedy! We shouldn鈥檛 be greedy like that.鈥�
And ask questions to solicit your child鈥檚 opinion. Yes or no questions are OK, but open-ended questions are even better:
鈥淒o you think it鈥檚 a good idea for her to do that?鈥�
鈥淲hy do you think he is keeping that secret?鈥�
鈥淯h-oh, what did her mommy say to her earlier? Can you remember what she鈥檚 supposed to be doing?鈥�
