Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Children, TV and Video Games

With a thick Mexican accent, he said, "not my children." He was answering my concerns about video games and the problem of childhood obesity, beginning to be a real common problem. He and his wife have four children, two girls and two boys. With a determination of a father whose time is spent 12 hours on, 12 hours off driving a cab in a large Texas town, he and his wife give their four children the following rules: one hour of TV after homework, one hour of non-violent video games after homework, or two hours of Discovery or animal channel after homework. Otherwise, it is outside to play after homework. His oldest daughter, an A student, is allowed to leave for college and be fully supported by Mom and Dad with one condition, she achieves a least a Master's degree! He said his job is to drive a cab for 12 hours, their children's job is education, pure and simple, short and sweet. I admired his love and determination that his offspring would enter the American society with an education and all the best it has to offer. Here's to you, Texas cab driver!