What Your Child See Matters

We are now living in a generation where TV screens have become the babysitter, and cartoons, shows, and videos are doing the talking and training that parents once did. While children may be quiet in front of the TV, the screen is shaping their values, behavior, and desires.

Matthew 6:22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.”

What you allow your child's eyes to focus on shapes their spiritual condition. Our eyes serve as a doorway to the heart and mind, and through that doorway, influences enter and settle in the soul.

Long before a child understands right from wrong, they are being trained by what they see. If you want to intentionally train a child, one of the very first places to start is with their eyes, because what a child continually sees will quietly shape their values, behavior, and desires.

This is why the old child song still carries wisdom today: “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see.”

Filter What Your Child Watches

You must monitor to filter what your child watches on television. Active supervision is key. Watch alongside them and discuss what they see to help them process it correctly.

Psalm 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.”

This verse reminds us that even adults must guard what we look at, and children are no different, they are learning habits that will shape their hearts and minds.

Before your child gets to know God, they have you first to guide and direct them. The eyes are a doorway to the heart. By filtering what your child sees, you are helping them build a foundation of wisdom, purity, and discernment that will last a lifetime.

It is impossible to raise godly children with godly character if what they watch is not carefully filtered to remove content that is harmful to their spiritual growth. You cannot teach a child godly principles and expect them to grow in purity and holiness if what they are watching contradicts the truths of God’s Word.

Just as it is important for children to hear the truth, it is equally important for them to see the truth. What their eyes take in shapes their hearts and minds, forming the foundation for their character and spiritual growth.

“Tele” a Greek word meaning far off or at a distance

“Vision” meaning sight or what is seen

So, television literally means “seeing from a distance.

In a practical sense, television brings images, messages, values, and stories from far away directly into the home, right before the eyes. That is why it is so influential, especially for children. It allows outside voices and images to shape thoughts, behavior, and beliefs without physically being present.

Therefore, whatever vision a child is repeatedly exposed to through television has the power to shape how they see the world, themselves, and even God. If left unfiltered, it can quietly shape a child’s heart and direction away from purity and holiness.

Limit the Amount of Screen Time

As for us in our home, our daughter only watches her Bible story shows on YouTube on the weekends. During the weekdays, she is fully engaged with her schoolwork, reading, playing with mom or dad, drawing, and using her toys. These activities not only keep her occupied but also help develop her creativity, focus, and love for learning.

She also understands when she is allowed to watch TV, so she does not ask to watch anything during the week. By setting these boundaries from the very beginning, we have prevented her from nagging, complaining because the rules are clear, consistent, and firmly established, which teaches her self-discipline and respect for limits.

Establishing such boundaries early on also trains children to value time, enjoy boredom, and explore their imagination. When children know what is expected and allowed, they learn patience and self-control, and they are more likely to engage in meaningful, enriching activities rather than constantly seeking instant entertainment.

In addition, carefully filtering what they watch ensures that their hearts and minds are nurtured in godly ways. By combining clear boundaries, structured activities, and intentional guidance, parents can raise children who are creative, disciplined, and spiritually aware.

Maintain A Healthy Balance

While it’s tempting to give children screens or constant entertainment to keep them quiet, allowing a child to be bored is actually a powerful tool for growth.

Boredom pushes them to think, imagine, and create. It encourages problem-solving, storytelling, and exploring new ideas without someone or something always guiding them.

When children are constantly entertained by TV or videos, their imagination is replaced by what someone else created. By occasionally stepping back, giving them space, and letting them experience quiet moments, you allow their creativity and critical thinking to develop naturally.

Be A Godly Role Model

Alternatives

Shaping your child’s vision requires that they first see Christ in you. It requires that you model a godly life before them, because you are their first living example. In many ways, you are their first “live television”, they are constantly watching how you speak, respond, love, and live.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

When Christ is visible in the home, your child will learn not only what to believe, but how to live it.

• Encourage activities like drawing, building, or role-playing that expand their imagination.

• Reading books, wholesome stories, and family activities that train the heart.

• Outdoor play (walking, running, riding a bike, playing ball)

• Gardening or caring for plants

• Helping with simple chores to build responsibility

These activities not only expand imagination and creativity, but also help children develop patience, problem-solving skills, discipline, and godly character without relying on screens.

Let's Get You The Support You Need

BACK

Discover Tools for Faith-Filled Parenting

Practical, Christ-centered resources to help parents guide their children with wisdom, love, and faith.

Explore our Marriage Guidance Library