What has SpongeBob done for you?

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By now, just about everyone knows who SpongeBob is, especially parents!  We have an 8 year old boy who has watched the show for hours.  He takes great offense when I categorize the show as garbage.  


I've come to realize, unfortunately, that after he watches this particular show, his behavior deteriorates.  He becomes quite a crabby patty (PAI).  Originally, I thought it must have something to do with the ridiculousness of the content.  The show seldom uses proper speech or grammar and is usually about a topic like "boogers."  Perfect for every child, whose brain is the far more important sponge.

Fortunately, my theories have been validated.  I found this on opposingviews.com after my wife mentioned hearing about it:


...According to TheWrap.com, a new study to be published online Monday by the medical journal Pediatrics claims that watching just nine minutes of 'SpongeBob' had a negative effect on the attention span of four-year-olds...


http://www.opposingviews.com/i/entertainment/sponge-bob-rotting-your-kids-brain


From my experience, this study is accurate.  Only, in our case, it is not limited to SpongeBob or even cartoons.  Many shows the little guy loves have similar effects.  The surprising thing is, these shows are not that unintelligent and come from reputable networks like Disney and Nickelodeon.  Some of them include iCarly, The Suite Life..., and  Drake and Josh.  The shows themselves are not that bad (after the first 10 times!) but the resulting behavior is.  My guess is that they are episodes of a series and seem to go on and on without end.


By comparison, movies do not have the same negative impact on his behavior or attention.  He could watch a DVD 3 times back to back and when it's off, he's OK.  The DVD itself can be anything:  Rango, Star Wars, Spy Kids, Bedtime Stories, etc.  They do not have the same effect as the TV shows.  This could be because they often tell a story that has a conclusion.


In addition, other TV programming actually improves his behavior.  Not long ago, since he adores animals, we encouraged him to watch Animal Planet.  There are all different kinds of programs, and he likes every one.  So far, none seem to influence him the way the aforementioned programs have.  It's been so good I've actually given him the green light to turn on Animal Planet without asking permission first.  I know having to ask permission to watch TV may sound harsh, but believe me, if you witnessed the effect of hours of Squidworth, or whatever the name is, you'd agree.


The beauty of it is, when he watches the better programs, HE is happier.


So if you can, try and wring SpongeBob out from your life.  It will be well worth it.