Toddler Television Viewing
Advice for Parents

How you monitor your toddler's T.V. viewing is the prime indicator of the how or when your toddler should experience watching T.V.

Here is some advice on how to control this experience for your toddler to limit risk and increase value.

FACTS:

• T.V. is a part of society and here to stay.
• Children who view T.V. on a regular basis often will not read books.
• Children on average spend 2 hours 22 minutes in front of the T.V. verses only 45 minutes with a book.
• There is a connection between aggression in toddlers and the content they view.
• Viewing T.V. is a passive activity and toddlers do not process information from a television program the same way they do with active learning activities.
• T.V. does not take the place of parent interaction. Parents are their child's best teachers not Barney.
• There is a direct link to childhood obesity and health concerns and T.V. or computer use.
• There is research that suggests a possible link between the number of hours a child under three years old spends viewing T.V. and attention problems(ADD or ADHD). television (opens a new window)

ADVICE:

• Never use the T.V. as a babysitter. This means plopping your toddler down in front of the T.V. for hours to keep them out of your hair.
• The reality is that sometimes you will need to do mommy activities that are not toddler friendly like cooking. If you chose the program wisely and limit the time spent viewing it then this is fine.
• Know that shows that are promoted for kids can have content that you would not approve of so make sure you are familiar with what is on.
• Avoid if possible watching adult shows while your toddler is in the room. He may not be looking at the screen but he is hearing everything.
• If you have older children watching T.V. make sure what they are viewing is suitable for them and your toddler.
• Limit the amount of toddler television your toddler views every day. This also means movies or shows on DVD too.
• Don't forget the computer or video games. This also counts as viewing time.
• Rule of thumb is this- the less T.V.the better for any aged child but especially toddlers.








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Toddler Television and ADHD

Reading to Children

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