Kid's Minds Held Hostage By Advertisers

If you've ever grocery shopped, you've probably witnessed the "nag factor".

It's when a small child nags a parent for a specific item, often an item the child doesn't even like. I've watched the phenomena with my own kid. He hones in on an item, usually one that he saw on TV, and later, won't eat the item he HAD to have.

"Son, why haven't you eaten the yogurt in a tube?"
"I don't like it."
"You haven't opened up one yet."
"It's too sour, I've had it before."
"Then why did you want it?"
"Ummm, I wanted to win the $10,000 contest. You can eat the yogurt."

Advertisers have become more agressive with their offerings. In my opinion, not only are they setting up parent/child conflict, the contest offerings develop a gambling mentality. Yes, I know gambling is legal in many states, but we're talking about the manipulation of a child's immature mind. What can we do?

Turning off the television starts the process. But we both know, a television free home is unrealistic. How about letter writing campaign and boycotting product manufacturers who play these games? Money talks.

What do you think?