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by Holly Burns
West Des Moines Community Schools
Parents of Preschoolers Information Network
Many parents may feel they have already “blown it” when
it comes to too much TV in their child’s early years. However,
there is always room to make changes and improve how we do things.
The same is true with too much TV. Here are some ways that you can
begin to make changes for the better, when it comes to too much
TV.
- Develop rules about which shows you will watch
and how much time your family will watch TV. Studies show that
families with such rules watch far less TV than those with no
rules.
- Make a list of activities that you would like
your child to be engaged in and begin substituting them for TV
viewing. Activities might include drawing, pretending, looking
at a book together, going for a walk or doing a
puzzle.
- Try not to use the TV as a baby-sitter.
- Turn off the TV when you are not watching. Never
let it become background noise.
- Keep TVs, VCRs and other electronic media out
of young children’s bedrooms.
Challenge your family to a week without TV… you
just might be surprised at the positive changes that you notice. Or,
sit down with your spouse and make some rules about television viewing
at your house. Talk about how much you will allow and what types of
shows your child could watch. If your child has already been exposed
to a lot of television and videos, begin to make changes today. Read
a book or a play a game tonight instead of picking up the remote.
Your child will benefit and you might find you enjoy it too.
TV and Your
Young Child
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued recommendations that
say children would be healthier if they watched less TV and had
more direct interaction with adults and peers. They also recommended
that children under two not be allowed to watch any television.
Overuse of television
and electronic media has been linked with obesity, lower grades,
poorer reading skills, and lack of imaginative play. To say that
this recommendation has been difficult for many American families
to deal with would be an under statement! It is helpful if parents
understand what the recommendation means, why it was made and how
they can limit television exposure for their children.
First of all,
let’s look at some statistics about children’s television
habits. The Kaiser Family
Foundation conducted a research study and found the following to
be true:
- 43% of all
children under the age of two watch TV every day
- 33% of all
children under the age of six have a TV in their bedroom
- 2/3 of American
homes have the TV on at least half the time they are in the house
- Children
from families with heavy TV usage have lower early reading ability
These statistics
are important as we look at our own family’s viewing habits
and how we compare to national averages. It also helps open our
eyes to how much young children are exposed to TV in our country.
Two and Under
The recommendation for children ages two and under is no TV. Why
is it not okay for your baby to watch TV? Simply put, there is ALWAYS
something better for a child under two to be doing. Children experience
rapid brain development during the first two years of life. Vital
connections occur in the brain that help shape how a child learns,
interacts and responds to everyday life. Babies and toddlers may
be mesmerized by the bright, fast changing images on the screen,
however, the brain wires itself by what it experiences. When children
begin school, we want their
brains to be wired for learning and for interacting with their environment,
not for short, bright, flashy entertainment!
Children Two and up
As your child’s brain becomes more mature, occasional and limited
television/video viewing is more appropriate. So, how much is okay?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests limiting to one hour
per day. This idea encourages families to be selective in choosing
what their child watches. The Children’s Television Network
on PBS has some great shows that are age-appropriate. Also, consider
including nature shows and musical concerts as occasional choices.
Watch with your child and help him/her learn to challenge what is
seen. Teach the difference between reality and fantasy, challenge
mean or hurtful behaviors and let them know you don't have to agree
with everything you see. Explain, comment and give opinions about
what you are watching. Do not expose children to violent, aggressive
or graphic material (just notice the nightly news for examples of
this!)
by Holly Burns
West Des Moines Community Schools
Parents of Preschoolers Information Network
Used with
permission
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