6 Ways to Deal with Yaya The TV Addict

It is very common for one to see our household staff glued to a TV monitor. Everything from the classic telenovela to the ubiquitous game show to the barrage of teleradyos, captivate their attention and in many instances, leave them in complete and utter suspended animation. It is this condition of being catatonic that often creates problems in our household.

As with all things, we are creatures of habit. The constant time spent in front of the TV can, though sometimes difficult, be reversed. We may not realize it, but it could be that our staffers do not know any other way to pass the time. Perhaps they are ignorant of other modes entertainment. Having said this, as their employer and in many ways, their guardian…it becomes your “duty” to expose them to other options:

1. Reading
Introducing your yaya to the world of reading is always a gift. Get them to read! Read! Read! It doesn’t matter whether it is a book, a magazine, a manual. The important thing is to get them into the habit of using their brainpower – being open to unlocking different worlds, perspectives and places. Learning to write and maybe speak a language whether it be Filipino and English. There are so many possibilities.

 

2. Needle craft
Knitting and crochet or even cross-stitch could also be a welcoming past-time for many of your staffers. Give them projects to do whether as a group or individual. They can be projects for the kitchen or for the home or for their own personal use.

 

3. Music
Music is as they say food for the soul. In as much as popular music is a constant favorite, varying genres – instrumental, classical, world – anything that will expand their horizons in a positive way.

 

Click here to learn more ways on how to deal with a TV addict yaya.

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Read on to learn more ways on how to deal with a TV addict yaya.

 

4. Continued Learning
Encourage your staff to learn new things. Although not everyone may agree, I strongly suggest that you invest in your staff. If for whatever reason, they disappoint you later on, think of these lessons as a gift/donation for the general good.  Here are some ideas:

a. Flower arrangement
b. Cooking Lessons
c. Computer Lessons
d. Napkin Folding Techniques
e. First Aid Techniques

 

5. Try to add variety to the different channels they watch.
Instead of the usual programs that our staffers watch, try to encourage them to watch Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, a Cooking Channel, etc. – explain how variety is good and learning something new is always good. Remind them that these changes are for them. They should try to be open to new ideas and new knowledge.

 

6. If all else fails, you can actually limit the TV time of your staffers by reinforcing the idea that there is a proper time and place for everything. TV, although entertaining, should not distract them from their real duties. However, when the time is appropriate they should enjoy TV as well. The idea is not to become a slave to the TV set. Everything in its proper place.

Provided that things are done in moderation, television can always be a positive thing. However, make sure you give your staff other options for entertainment. You never know what other talents your yaya may discover she has.

When it comes to improving the self, there are no limits.


Photo from sxc.hu