Today, videos have become a very popular means of entertainment among children of all ages.  It isn't uncommon for children to spend much of their free time watching their favorite movies or television shows.  The invention of the portable DVD player has enhanced the already great role video entertainment can play in a child's day, as it allows parents to take DVD videos wherever children go.  This however, creates considerable concern about what today's youngsters are watching.  Some DVD and television entertainment is valuable to a child's education, as well as entertaining.  Others are not.  For this reason, parents should choose their children's videos with great care. 


The first factor in choosing the right educational videos for children is to choose educational movies and shows that will match their interests.  If you fail to keep a child's interests in mind, the child will be less likely to watch the videos you choose, and may easily become bored and restless.  However, if your child is interested in the chosen topic, he or she is much more likely to absorb the contents and remember them later.  This way, educational videos will have a more positive and lasting effect on your child.


By choosing the right kinds of videos, you will be able to prevent your children from watching programs you, as the parent, deem undesirable or inappropriate.  If you choose videos for your children, you will be able to better monitor the content and quality of each video.  You will also be more in touch with what your child is learning, and by familiarizing yourself with the content, be able to discuss the videos with your children.  This will also let them know that you are taking an interest in what they are watching and learning.


There are many different titles out there from which to choose, and you want to be sure that the ones you purchase are videos that your children will want to watch. You don't want to invest in educational videos, just to have them sit on the shelf.  Before choosing titles, start by getting feedback from your children.  Show them the videos you are considering, and find out which videos and topics spark their interest. 


When choosing educational videos for your children, it's also important to keep their ages in mind.  Purchasing highly educational videos for older children, for example, is often not the best use of time or money.  Often, it will result in a lack of attention, leading to a library of videos that your children never watch.


Lastly, watch any videos that you purchase with your children.  These videos are meant to be a learning tool, designed to help children have fun while they learn.  Videos are not, however, designed to be babysitters.  The more interest you take in the lives of your children, the more you will be able to monitor what they watch, and improve their education.