Discuss with children what they see on television and at the movies. Children, particularly pre-schoolers, can have a hard time distinguishing between reality and the images they see on TV or in films. When they see a superhero brandish a sword, some young people may copy that action by waving a yardstick at the family dog. Or worse, a child who manages to get his hands on a loaded gun could use it in a tragic recreation of a violent movie. Parents cannot ignore the impact of mass media on their children.
Some parents restrict TV viewing time or declare certain programs off limits.
Whether or not you take those particular steps, spend time talking with children about what they watch and how they feel about it. Don't use threats of calling the police to scare children into good behavior. Some parents routinely threaten their children by saying that police will put them in jail if they misbehave. Children who are confronted with these threats are not likely to run to a police officer in an emergency. Even if police relations are strained in your community, small children need to feel they can call on the police when they are in danger.