Interview with Jennifer Kraus, Manager of iQ: smartparent at WQED

The average age of a first-time mom in the United States is about 25.

For Chatham undergrads, that means most of us will be having babies within the next decade.

It’s a shocking thought: right now, we’re taking classes in Diatonic Tonal Harmony and Differential Equations. In a few years, we’ll be changing diapers. And for many of us, the realities of motherhood are already setting in.

We babysit, we work as camp counselors, we enter classrooms as student teachers or plow through organic chemistry to become pediatricians. Some of us have kids, some never plan to, but all of us will interact with children at some point in our lives; are we ready?

Jennifer Kraus is working to make sure the answer is yes. She’s the Manager of iQ: smartparent: a TV series mentoring caregivers as they guide children through their wildly complicated, ever-evolving world of new media. The concept sprouted from a 2012 study by WQED and Campos Inc. “We found that many local parents don’t feel confident finding high-quality digital media for their children,” says Kraus. “PBS is the #1 trusted source of media for children in the nation and WQED, as the country’s first public media station, has resources and techniques that can help parents navigate through our technology- and media-saturated environment.”

From Political Science to Production

Kraus’ own career highlights the growing importance of media for aspiring educators. As a Political Science major at the University of Michigan, Kraus worked in the School of Education as a research assistant and planned a career in education policy. “I grew up in rural Southwestern Ohio–a pretty homogenous area, demographically, and not very wealthy,” she says. “When I got to the University of Michigan, I was amazed at the impressive educational backgrounds of my peers and became really concerned about disparities in public education across the U.S. I wanted to learn more about the policymaking process, how our educational system has evolved, and how we can effect change.”

After graduation, she got her M.Ed. from the University of Virginia, worked in the U.S. Department of Education as a legislative liason and program manager in D.C., then took a position as an aide to Congressman Jason Altmire in Pittsburgh. Years surrounded by politics and policy led to an unexpected career move: joining WQED’s Education Department in July 2012. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to combine my background in education, community outreach, grantseeking, policy, and parenting,” she says.

As the Manager of iQ: smartparent, she’s involved in every element of building each episode. From generating content to coordinating marketing, Kraus is focused on the endgame. “We hope that parents and caregivers will find that WQED is a reliable and trusted source of information on how to guide children in the use of media, and that we are able to help families have a positive, educational experience with technology.” Kraus trusts WQED not only as a manager, but as a mom. With a 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, she knows the importance of a caregiver’s media choices.

In the audience of an iQ: smartparent taping, you’ll find a fascinating mix of people: moms and dads, of course, but also college students, elementary school teachers, businesswomen, and even Girl Scout troop leaders. “For anyone who interacts with children, whether it is at home, in the classroom, or in the community, it is crucial to understand the ways in which media positively influences kids,” says Kraus. 

It’s particularly relevant to Education majors or anyone working toward a teaching certificate. Remember the days the teacher used to wheel the TV in front of the chalkboard and you knew it was party time? Or the classes in computer lab you spent with Mavis Beacon? Those hours add up, and the engaging nature of media in the classroom often makes that time some of the most influential in a child’s day. “For students who seek careers in education, it’s important to understand how schools can incorporate technology into the curriculum, to know what resources are available to parents and educators, and where to find trusted information,” says Kraus. “It’s also important for educators to understand how technology is being used (or not used) in the home, and how this impacts learning.”

Girls Growing Up with Media

April’s iQ: smartparent episode focuses on “Girls Growing Up with Media.” Hosted by family physician Dr. Deborah Gilboa, the show features interviews with incredible women working to empower girls. Dr. M. Gigi Durham, author of The Lolita Effect and professor of Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies at the University of Iowa. Rebecca Gaynier shares her expertise as the Founder of iTwixie.com, a a safe and smart online community for tween girls. And there’s Jennifer Stancil, the Executive Director of Educational Partnerships at WQED Multimedia who has a history of launching extraordinary programs to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers.

Going to a women’s college introduces odd dichotomies: many of us are just as likely to pick up The Feminine Mystique as we are to flip through an issue of Cosmo. It’s a set of mixed messages, but Kraus knows they’re normal. “Girls are marketed to in very intentional, specific ways, and at increasingly younger ages,” she says. The “Girls Growing Up with Media” episode aims to address these concerns. “It’s good to talk with kids about this at an early age and to have the conversation frequently, as they are bombarded with unrealistic images. I believe we mention in the show that girls see about 500 ads per day…it’s easy to become overwhelmed by this.”

The first step to building a positive media culture for a child is by really taking a look at what they’re watching. “Common Sense Media is a fantastic partner with us on this project and is a national leader in evaluating children’s media,” says Kraus. “They offer ratings and reviews on hundreds of games, apps, TV shows, movies, books and more. I definitely urge caregivers to take a look at the site if they’re trying to find positive, educational media for their children.”

Often, though, the sexualized content is unavoidable. Whether a child is caught off-guard by a commercial or stumbles upon a shocking website, it’s critical to talk about it, not bury it.

First, “Give children a ‘reality check’ and let them know that celebrities and models look the way they do due to Photoshop, extreme dieting, makeup, stylists, etc. and that it isn’t always realistic” advises Kraus. Then, “Talk with your children about what ‘real’ beauty means–that true beauty is not skin deep and that she should be proud of her own beauty and accomplishments.”

Sometimes, this is easier said than done, especially when girls her age are buying preteen push-up bras and trying fad diets. The key? Shaping yourself as the leader. “It’s important to set a good example and monitor your own comments about appearance.”

Even if you’re not old enough to drink, you’re a superstar in the eyes of your daughter or niece or cousin or the child you babysit. iQ: smartparent shows that while we don’t always have control over the images presented to us, we can change the culture. Tune in to WQED on April 25, 2013 at 8pm to find out how. 

Through December 2013, HC Chatham is partnering with WQED to promote the iQ: smartparent series. Check back often for more interviews, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes excitement!

To stay up-to-date on iQ: smartparent news, like the WQED Edu Facebook page and visit wqed.org/smartparent to sign up for the newsletter.

On April 25, join the conversation as we live-tweet the premiere at @WQED_EDU and @HCChathamU using #iqsmartparent.

Want to be in the audience of the next taping? Request tickets here.

Pictured:

1: Jennifer Kraus

2: Dr. Deborah Gilboa (left) and Dr. M. Gigi Durham

3: (from left to right) Dr. Deborah Gilboa, Jennifer Stancil, Rebecca Gaynier, Dr. M. Gigi Durham

Sources:

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Kraus

Age stat from BabyCenter.com

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