Watching TV isn’t all bad. There are some good TV shows for older children. But the amount of time toddlers and preschoolers spend watching TV should be carefully monitored and limited.
Research conducted by Dimitri A. Christakis, MD, MPH, Frederick J. Zimmerman, PhD , David L. DiGiuseppe, MSc, and Carolyn A. McCarty shows that early TV viewing affects children’s attention span later when they are in school. The study, entitled "Early Television Exposure and Subsequent Attentional Problems in Children" and published in the April 2004 issue (Vol. 113, No. 4, pp. 708-713) of Pediatrics, also finds that when TV shows are cut back, the benefits are almost immediate.
- The chid's imagination is freed to explore her own ideas, rather than the ideas presented on TV.
- The child's problem solving skills improve when the TV is off and he has more interaction with family members or friends.
- The child's attention span improves as the number of electronic TV images and sounds are cut back.
- The child learns to entertain herself when she knows that watching TV is not an option.
- And best of all, children respond more positively to doing activities with family members. Over time parents feel their children are less bombarded by commercialism; that they have more control over their children’s socialization and over how much violence their children watch.
Sometimes Say ‘No” to TV
Parents have to be prepared for the protest that will come when the TV is turned off. However, the protests don’t last! Once the child practices doing things on his own the lure of TV is weakened.
One of the first things mom and dad can do is decide whether they want the TV to babysit their kids or for entertain them. If the TV is a babysitter, then the watching schedule can be set to parents’ busy or down times, like when they are getting ready for work, making dinner or lounging over Saturday morning breakfast.
If the TV is an entertainer, the children’s favorite shows will probably require the TV to be turned on at various times which may or may not coincide with times that address the parents’ needs. Parents will do best to choose one purpose or the other. Attempting to meet both purposes will escalate TV watching time and sabotage efforts to reduce it!
Reducing TV Time is Tough
Parents have to be the final authority on TV time. If the TV is primarily for entertaining the children then of course have the kids’ input on their favorite TV shows. But kids have to get used to mom and dad giving the final yay or nay on TV use. They are going to loudly protest missing their TV episodes. Parents have to be the boss; they aren’t going to make friends with their kids by pulling the plug! Only when children know that TV is not an option, will they look for something else to do.
Children Need Support Through the Transition
The dreaded "I’m bored" is sure to come within five minutes of turning the TV off. A basket of art supplies is usually a winner for children most ages, with markers, paper, paint, sparkles, glue, scissors, tape etc. Art is undemanding and satisfying. It is a good starting place.
A child may reject his parents’ ideas and loudly proclaim boredom and desperation from having nothing to do, but parents needn’t worry. This is simply the child’s transition time. It’s okay to just let it be. A child is ultimately responsible for his own boredom. If he finds nothing to do then he has spent his time thinking or daydreaming. This is quality time for him.
Keep a balance of outside and inside activities. Have ready toys like a sled, wagon or trike ready for outside play. Inside quiet activities like puzzles and non competitive board games engage both young and older children. Building sets are great as well, like lego, logs or pieces of wood in interesting shapes. Add strings, magnets, pulleys and wire to these supplies.
The Family Enjoys More Time Interacting Instead of Watching TV Shows
It will take a few weeks for the children to get used to less TV and they will resist the change. But the rewards from standing firm are very worthwhile. Toddlers and preschoolers fare better in school when their early TV watching is limited. Limiting TV shows for older children challenges them to use their imaginations and creative skills. And eventually less time watching TV means spending more time playing and doing activities with each other.
References:
California State University Northridge Website. Television and Health (accessed February 21, 2010).
Elias, Marilyn. USA Today. Short Attention Span Linked to TV, May 4, 2004 (accessed February 21, 2010).
Clara Lovatt - Clara’s passion is to provide quality child care where young children can grow and be happy in healthy, loving environments. She ...
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