I said I would never allow the TV as a babysitter, but I sometimes turn on Sesame Street for my 7 mos. old, as a distraction. Basically, I just want to get some house work done.
2006-07-12 09:10:51 · 11 answers · asked by LMO 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
it is definitely a personal decision! This is a situation much debated, but with no real research yet. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no tv at all until they reach the age of two, and then limit it to 1 or 2 hours per day. The logic is that babies are so busy learning about their worlds that tv can overstimulate them. The other side says that in our high tech world, not letting kids watch tv puts them behind, and also that tv is educational. There is no evidence to support either side. Currently, there is some actual research being done to find out the truth.
I say a 1/2 hour of Sesame Street for your sanity is probably not going to hurt. :)
2006-07-12 09:14:59 · answer #1 · answered by mountain_laurel1183 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Studies have found that watching t.v. as a toddler can increase the chance of the child developing ADD. Four years old is probably an ok age but it should be for no longer than 30 minutes a day. Because the t.v. screen changes rapidly, the brain gets used to this kind of activity, then when you want the child to sit down in a quiet environment and focus on a task such as reading, the child gets bored because it is not as fast and entertaining as the television. I was a child development major and am now an elementary school teacher. I have seen first hand that many children can not focus in the classroom and t.v. may very well have something to do with this.
2006-07-12 16:23:09 · answer #2 · answered by stink 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think every mom under the sun that has a tv does that..even if she doesn't admit it. Things HAVE to get done. As long as you don't do it for hours upon end theres no problem.. but I try to get things done as much as I can while they are taking a nap.. (I know you probably want to relax then but trust me). When they wake up I sit with them and watch a couple hours of tv and we both get down time and I can interact with them still even if we are just sitting relaxing for a little while.. because even if you turn on the tube you still have them distracting you for little things here and there.. so best to do it during the naps and then watch together so you can relax too..the Lord only knows we need that!
2006-07-12 16:26:40 · answer #3 · answered by queencrystle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I would admit it if I did it but I don't. Your child should not be watching TV at 7 months. It is NOT good for their development and the person that said it's good for them to watch Sesame Street when they are born is crazy and needs to talk with her child's pediatrician. I know I sound harsh but I have strong views on television watching and young kids. Studies show that it can lead to shorter attention spans and ADHD. It also leads to poor brain development. I am in no way saying you are a bad mom, my son is 3 and I turn on "Little Einstein’s" so I can grab a shower while my 20 month old plays in the bathroom with me (peek a boo and such). Sometimes she sticks her head in the bedroom and watches the TV but most the time she hangs with me. Experts will tell you (your child's pediatrician) that children shouldn't be exposed to television until they are two years old. I am also not saying you shouldn't be allowed to get things done. You child should have quiet time with books and toys appropriate for her level of development. I would put my daughter in her highchair with some toys while I washed dishes and did the laundry and she would play and I would sing and talk to her she was always content. Find something your child enjoys doing besides watching TV so that she can entertain herself when you need to get things done or just need a moment to yourself.
You also have to remember at 7 months she is getting nothing "educational" from TV, not even Sesame Street the screen moves to fast and topic changes are too advance even for most 2-3 yr olds.
My son now at three watches occasional television - on long car rides, when I need to shower or when I am doing something I can't have him in the middle of (he likes to "help" a bit too much sometimes :)! ). He watched NO TV before he was 1 and only then did I allow for 1 hour total of "Baby Einstein" when we went on our 8 hour drive to my in-laws. He now averages anywhere from 30 mins - 2 hours a week usually on the lower end because he prefers to do other things like read. My son is 3 and is on the level of a 4-5 year old when it comes to language and his pre-reading skills - the kid rather read than watch TV because that is what we made important in our household.
Again I don't think you are a bad mother because you have let your child watch TV, kids don't come with manuals and we learn as we go. Obviously you are a good mother because you are concerned and are asking questions. Talk with you Pediatrician about any concerns you have and be honest and ask him/her to do the same. Sometimes you have to drag it out of the doctor what they know about certain subjects because of what is politically correct - like when doctors say you can give your child up to (I think) 4 oz of juice a day at this age but when I told him I gave no juice to my children only milk that I didn't want to get into that habit he gave me a big thumbs up and said, "that's what we like to hear, we don't really like juice for babies".
Enjoy your little one they grow up so fast :)!
2006-07-12 17:56:13 · answer #4 · answered by Courtney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have answer the question by yourself, bravo. Distraction. To gain freedom, to be in peace.
When you buy a toy for your child, you read how the instruction how safe the toy is and at what age the top is suitable for.
When you buy a TV, is there a line that state what age is suitable for a child? Remember you was a child once upon a time.
2006-07-14 10:31:36 · answer #5 · answered by davidtay25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a matter of your background in parenting. I, for example, would put on an educational show, that my child likes,and he/she could watch that show only. You could give him choices (if theyre old enough to comprehend)... you can watch clifford on monday, and Barney or tuesday. Make sure your kid doesnt sit in front of the tube for hours on end. Thats why they make the shows in 30 min sessions...take one day out of the week not to watch ANY tv... like saturday or sunday, and go out somewhere to a park or whatever.
2006-07-12 18:09:16 · answer #6 · answered by angelrunner8 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think some kids watch too much t.v, but a n half hour or so will not hurt. It will give you time to do some things in the house, but not all day everyday. You do not want your kid to become a fat couch potato.
2006-07-12 16:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by housewives5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats no problem.
they can watch it as young your kid or younger!
just dont make it a part of the daily routine and you are fine.
2006-07-12 16:12:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as soon as theyre born. tv doesnt hurt. it can make u learn so stop being so amish.
2006-07-12 16:13:24 · answer #9 · answered by lunytunes_baby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its good for babies to watch seasame street,blue's clues,barney,etc these are educational shows.
2006-07-12 16:14:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋