I’ve read the research that TV is bad for children under two. However, the reasoning for it is that “children need good, positive interaction with other children and adults to develop good language and social skills” I haven’t found anything stating that the act of watching TV is bad. What I want to know is, is watching 35 minutes of a baby and toddlers video, filled with colors, lights, sounds, and music, actually harmful?
I totally agree that TV can be bad and addictive but I wonder if there can’t be some positive things to it as well. I got the Baby Einstein DVDs and barney,(that is sutable for 1-6yrs old) I watch them a couple of times a week with my 4 month and 18 months old. We don’t normally make it through the whole video, only about 25-35 minutes before willy gets bored. i watch it with williams as wendy always want me to be there with her sometimes and I talk to them and point things out. We also spend time outside, on the floor playing, walking around the house, etc. I try to involve them in everything I do and I see the videos as just another activity for us to do together. and they likes it.
Any thoughts? Know of any other research or articles
thanks
4 months old and T.V
- Xochiquetzal
- Posts: 1400
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Actually, the studies state that TV is bad because the programming is such that it provides constant stimulation of the brain that isn't recreated in activities away from the TV. So researchers believe that children become increasingly bored and frustrated as they go through hyperstimulation withdrawal away from the TV.
Videos such as Baby Einstein have a lot of bright flashing objects that constantly barrage the brain cells. It causes the brain cells to expand and react but also creates a pathological reliance on that stimulation in order to continue to grow. Psychologists found parallels between heavy tv watching at young ages with children with attention disorders in the early school years.
Anyhoo, the above is just what I when researching the subject for my little one. I don't denounce or advocate the results and have my own private opinions on the subject.
Videos such as Baby Einstein have a lot of bright flashing objects that constantly barrage the brain cells. It causes the brain cells to expand and react but also creates a pathological reliance on that stimulation in order to continue to grow. Psychologists found parallels between heavy tv watching at young ages with children with attention disorders in the early school years.
Anyhoo, the above is just what I when researching the subject for my little one. I don't denounce or advocate the results and have my own private opinions on the subject.
I am not a big advocate of all of the electronic gizmos.
I did let my children watch tv & videos. I was pickier with my first than my second on what I allowed them to watch. I think that allowing them to play video games & watching tv for hours makes thems hyper.
If I could do it again, I would read to my kids more. Try and develop that creative side, let them build things. Sheets make great tents. I would also like to have tried some of those lab experiments that you see in the books with my children.
This is the best advice I can ever give: When riding in the car (especially in teen years) KEEP THE RADIO OFF! You will find that they will discuss what is going on in their lives w/o even realizing it.
We would play kids music & sing in the car when the kids were little. However, don't worry too much. Just love them, give them attention, and provide perameters (consistant) they will be fine.
My daughter want to be an Opera singer & son wants to study Law. Good Luck
all that we as parents can do, is our best.
I did let my children watch tv & videos. I was pickier with my first than my second on what I allowed them to watch. I think that allowing them to play video games & watching tv for hours makes thems hyper.
If I could do it again, I would read to my kids more. Try and develop that creative side, let them build things. Sheets make great tents. I would also like to have tried some of those lab experiments that you see in the books with my children.
This is the best advice I can ever give: When riding in the car (especially in teen years) KEEP THE RADIO OFF! You will find that they will discuss what is going on in their lives w/o even realizing it.
We would play kids music & sing in the car when the kids were little. However, don't worry too much. Just love them, give them attention, and provide perameters (consistant) they will be fine.
My daughter want to be an Opera singer & son wants to study Law. Good Luck

- scoobymcdoo
- Posts: 675
- Joined: Tue Jun 22, 2004 9:46 pm
I think if you are actively participating in the TV watching with them then there is no harm at all. It can be used as a quiet time for you all and something to do together. What I dont believe in, is when the the TV is used as a babysitter.
I haven't introduced the TV yet, that is just my personal choice. At some point I will start letting Sophie watch a bit but at the moment I am very happy with how she uses her imagination and can occupy herself whilst I can do things. I want her to be able to occupy herself without becoming reliant on the TV to do so. I am gaining the reputation from friends as being a 'hard mother'
! She does however quite the like the huge one in Stockmanns as they play Nalle Puh on it...her favourite characters (from jigsaws and books).
Hannah
I haven't introduced the TV yet, that is just my personal choice. At some point I will start letting Sophie watch a bit but at the moment I am very happy with how she uses her imagination and can occupy herself whilst I can do things. I want her to be able to occupy herself without becoming reliant on the TV to do so. I am gaining the reputation from friends as being a 'hard mother'

Hannah