TV's Child pt. 2

Here is what I do to create healthier TV viewing behaviors for my daughter.

1. Monitor Jen’s TV watching. After all it’s not a babysitter. I am strategic when planning her daily activities. Try including a wide array of activities for variety of time lengths. You can always redirect them to something or away from something else.

2. Watch TV with Jen.  What she watches I watch. You can encourage interaction, by asking questions and discussing words or phrases that he/she repeats. Pay attention to make sure the child is not exhibiting “zombie” like behaviors.

3. Limit Jen’s TV watching. We all have those instincts, so use them. Do what you think is appropriate for your lifestyle and family. Obviously excessive TV watching is not good. Set time limits that allow moderate TV watching by your child.

4. Monitor TV show content. Little pictures have big ears. Kids are smart and can grasp concepts that may seem above their heads. Be aware of the nature of shows that you child is watching as well as the shows that you watch around your child.  Make sure it is shows appropriate for the age group.  

5. TV is never a substitute. Electronic devices should never be used in place of other development activities.  Reading, drawing, block building, and playing outside are examples of fundamental activities that will enrich your child’s motor and language abilities as well as improve balance and flexibility. There should be a balance and children should participate in various types of activities throughout the day.

Hope this helps!

TV's Child

“More Dora”! My 2-year old daughter, Jen exclaimed! As she watched the credits roll Jen is amped with excitement for another episode, a new adventure with Dora. Jen has recently discovered Dora, but she watches a slue of shows from Calliou, to Mickey Mouse, Barney, Sesame Street. Recently I have noticed that she is beginning to recognize and relate to these characters, even singing along with the theme songs. After witnessing this I begin to ponder.   Is Jen watching too much TV?  How much is too actually too much?

So I began researching. Here’s what I found………  

American Pediatric Association (APA) originally, “Recommended no TV for children age two and under. Children older than two should not watch more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming”. Seriously? This has got to be a joke right? Unfortunately, it is not. Thinking back, while speaking to Jen’s pediatrician at her 18 month checkup, she suggested the same and I thought to myself, “okay lady, this is not even a slight possibility”! The 2011 article, “How TV Effects Your Child” on kidshealth.org describes the APA’s logic behind this recommendation. It explains that, “The first two years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development.” I understand the logic and whole-heartedly support healthy development of children 110%. But, this recommendation, you must admit, it is pretty unrealistic.