viewing time, but she is allowed to watch Friends every
morning for half an hour before school. Now her godmother (one of my husband’s best friends) has given her the entire Friends series on DVD. This effectively condemns our family to a round of daily arguments since I do not want my daughter watching her days away when she should be playing outdoors or studying. Would I be wrong to express my disapproval when next I see this friend?
Name and address withheld
A. The wonderful thing about Friends DVDs is that they can be used for educational purposes. I presume your child is doing French. You can decree that she may watch as many as three or even four episodes per day provided the language setting is French with English sub-titles. Since the child is ‘incentivised’ to follow the story she will be learning French whether she wants to or not. Next time you see your friend you can thank her with sincerity for her thoughtfulness in giving such an indispensable tool of learning.
If you have a problem write to Dear Mary, c/o The Spectator, 56 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LL.
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