Netflix for Parents

Parents are constantly searching for ways to help their children develop and grow, but sometimes we overlook the obvious. What our kids really want from us is our time and sometimes we just don't have it available. We might even try to make up for it with expensive toys and lax rules. Well, good news, parents! Netflix offers us another resource to add to our parenting toolkit!

Affordability. Netflix costs less than $10 a month. Even if you use Red Box or some other video rental program, you likely have to spend gas money to go get the movies. We all know how expensive gas is these days, so I won't even comment on that issue.

Convenience. Obviously, Netflix is pretty convenient because you can watch movies from your computer or your television. Most of the people I talk to are confused as to how to get it on their television and this is the part where we parents have the advantage. Most kids have a Wii, Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. As long as these devices are connected to a television and the Internet, they can be used to stream videos to the television.

Control. Most cable and satellite programs come with some type of parental control. Parents can use this to block inappropriate material from their children. Netflix takes it one step further because along with being able to block programs, you can see exactly what your children are watching or preparing to watch.

Personalization. One thing I hated about Cable was the fact that there were so many channels and yet, so few of them applied to the interests of my family. Netflix allows you to rate programs. The system keeps track of what you watch so that a recommended list can be created for your account. This list is based on what you have watched so far and how you've rated it.

Lack of advertising. Netflix doesn't have commercials. Do you realize what this means for parents? I will never forget when I got cable and all I heard for the next month or so was "I want that". I hadn't thought about commercials having such an enormous impact on my household until then. After that little spell of commercial viewing, I can honestly say that television viewing without commercials is pure bliss!

Search. Yes, you can look for movies on cable and satellite programs, but Netflix doesn't make you wait until the movie is on the schedule. You may have to wait for it to be streamed online, but in the meantime, there are plenty of other programs to choose from. You can also search for programs that pertain to your child's educational needs or your personal beliefs.
References: Personal experience
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