An Easy Babysitter?

When a rambunctious toddler isn't ready for a nap, the TV can make an attractive babysitter. It is amazing how quiet kids and still kids can become in front of it. The temptation to plop them in front of it can be quite strong when you just need to get some things done, or would really like to be fully present with the adult you're trying to talk to.

Yet, there stands the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation: no TV at all before 2 years of age. Why? Well, aside from the violence and marketing they'll be exposed to, it "negatively affects brain development" (Your Baby's First Year, American Academy of Pediatrics pg 490). According to other research (an article in the medical journal Pediatrics, quoted in Bringing Up Boys pg 47), television viewing by children can lead to violent behavior, obesity, apathy, lower metabolism, decreased imagination and constipation.

So don't do it! Keep that TV off until they're 2 and stick to just a few hours of educational programming a day after that. I personally recommend less frequent TV viewing, certainly not daily. We've gotten rid of the TV in our house and it gives us so much more time to spend talking and getting things done.

There are so many good things for kids to be doing in the real world! There's running and jumping and playing. Seems like those activities aren't as popular as they used to be. Just look at the jungle gyms that have been remodeled lately. They were once for kids all the way up to 12 years old. Now, it seems like kids over 7 are no longer interested. They're much more likely to be inside in front of a screen. Let's give our kids the gift of an active childhood by keeping that TV off!

RESOURCES

Your Baby's First Year



Bringing Up Boys