what do you think of children watching T.V.???

Andrea - posted on 02/20/2009

I think these things are all about balance. If you and your family set an example of keeping a balance of activitives that get you up and moving and more sedentary activities such as t.v. viewing...then there's not a problem. Though a small child's primary mode of learning information is through active exploration, there are some great t.v. shows out there that help reinforce skills in a very enjoyable manner. And...let's be honest...we all need a little time in our day to just veg out!

Stephanie - posted on 02/20/2009

I don't think it's as serious as some people make it to be. I grew up not on this "quality" tv people talk about, and I have made it far in life. I'm wasn't a delinquent, picking fights, on drugs, drinking, hyperactive, etc.  I let my son watch tv when I'm busy with cleaning or studying. The only thing is that if parents sit their child in front of the tv ALL day long. Having a child is not about shoving them in their room while you do as you please.

Nancy - posted on 02/20/2009

Wow, why worry so much. I think some days the TV is a godsend and my two Children watch a lot, other days they are out playing, doing activities and don't watch any. I think you should play it by ear and go with the flow!

Elizabeth - posted on 02/20/2009

Everything in moderation is the motto is our house.  My daughter loves watching Elmo's World also and I feel that if you're there watching it with your son; asking him where the dog is, what color is the Mr. Noodles tie, then I really think that 1-2 hours can be educating for him. 

Andrea - posted on 02/20/2009

i think it should be up to the parent, and you should know what they are watching. cause there is a lot of crap out there on tv geared to young kids!

i do not allow my 2 girls to watch loads of tv but they do watch it and can learn some wonderful things from it. i think you need to be very carful to make sure there is a balance ...make sure you are playing with your child ,they get time outdoors, playgroups ect.....dont let the tv babysit. i used to babysit out of my house and you would be surprised just how many parents put the tv on ALL day and walk away!!

Malinda - posted on 02/20/2009

Lisa, I have no idea how old your son is, but do you think that there are other activities he could engage in while you get stuff done? Like coloring or small craft projects, or even helping out?

I'm certainly not totally anti-TV, but I think kids should be encouraged to do something creative/physical before making TV an option.

Lisa - posted on 02/20/2009

My son watches crap-loads of TV and I hate it. I always ensure he is watching what I consider to be "quality" shows but I still don't like it. The problem is that if he's not watching TV he wants direct mommy-time so if I want to get anything done I need to pop on the telly.

Kirstie - posted on 02/20/2009

I have no problem with my kids watching tv. I make sure that what they watch is appropriate for them. And they don't really watch it that much even when the tv is on. Just like with everything else moderation is the key.

Kimberly - posted on 02/20/2009

Personally, I think the recommendation of no tv for children is crap. My daughters love TV. I don't let them watch too much, and I control what they watch. Nothing except Noggin (and even some shows on that channel I don't like), PBS Kids, and dvd's we have. My husband and I are educated and very involved with what our kids are learning. If they are watching good shows (Elmo's World being one of them) they can learn a lot. I grew up watching cartoons and I'm just fine. I'm not addicted to tv, in fact just the opposite. Good kids shows are full of good lessons and songs, and it can be a nice little break for some kids. I think two shows a day is a good amount so don't feel guilty.

Malinda - posted on 02/20/2009

The AAP recommends no more than 2 hours of "quality" programming per day.

http://www.aap.org/family/smarttv.htm

I also seem to remember a recommendation of NO TV for children under 2. I think this is to curb the excess TV that most children get.

My son is 16 months, and we don't allow more than an hour (spread out over the day in short stints of Thomas or something) per day.