How long should I wait before allowing my child to begin watching television?
2006-09-27 07:56:57 · 13 answers · asked by pink_october29 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I didn't allow my son to watch television until he was 4 years old (he is now 6). Instead of watching cartoons I would read to him. Once he was able to walk he would bring out book after book for me to read to him.
When he turned 4 I decided he could watch some tv, not very much and only shows I chose.
I am so glad I didn't let him watch tv until later on in life. I am sure it is a main part of the reason that he loves reading, learning and is so bright. He has always been more advanced than other kids in his class and has a true love for learning. I dont know if he would be as smart as he is now if I had let him watch tv from birth. I am sure that without all the book reading we did together he would not have developed such a love for books.
I strongly encourage you to wait as long as you can. There is no reason for kids to be sitting around in front of the tv. I figure if it isnt educational then he is better off playing in his room or with friends using his own imagination! As parents it is our job to do every thing we can to help our child learn and grow, so even though it may seem easier to plop a kid infront of the tv so you can do house work or whatever, you have to remember that everything you do with your child is helping to build the foundation of their future.
2006-09-27 08:43:44 · answer #1 · answered by dmercer12679 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep them away as long as possible. But most kids do not develop an interest in what is on tv until they are almost 1 1/2 to 2 years (in my experience). Then limit the amount of time they watch. I will admit that I use the tv as a babysitter so that I can get a shower, but I also will take tv away from them when they are behaving really badly (my middle girl has earned this for one week).
2006-09-27 08:00:15 · answer #2 · answered by mom of girls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say around 2.5 to 3 years. There are many educational programs on PBS and cable that are gears towards younger audiences. And they are entertaining to the child as well. It's your job as a parent to monitor your child watches from the time you decide they begin viewing until they can made an intelligent decision on the matter. The fact that you are asking shows you are a responsible parent. Good luck.
2006-09-27 08:02:28 · answer #3 · answered by Lizard 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait until they are 2 1/2 or 3. Anytime before that isn't good for their brains or eyes. They make all these tv shows for infants and baby einstein stuff but those are horrible for your children. TV at an early age puts them at risk for ADHD because their brains can't comprehend the pictures and sounds as fast as the tv is showing them.
2006-09-27 07:59:26 · answer #4 · answered by BeeFree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their are several ways to answer your question. But in order to give you the best answer I must ask you how much time do you view TV, and what type of program's do you prefer.
Behind those beautiful little eyes is a fresh hungry mind recording and learning everything it see and hear.
So if really want to be on the safe side start with PBS.
But limit the time, also incorporate family view time.
2006-09-27 08:12:56 · answer #5 · answered by papabear196 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My baby is 9 months is about 9 months and has started to take an interst in the tv. I dont let him sit down and watch it but he is in the room when it is on. Try and leave it for as long as possible and dont draw attention to it. When he does want to watch it try to only let him watch disney dvds.
2006-09-27 08:00:22 · answer #6 · answered by pink cupcake 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my son was watching tv asap cuz of the channel noggin it is a preschool channel and i felt it was very educational and there was nothing there to give him bad influnace but now at the age of 6yrs old he and i sit down after watching something and i ask him what he has learned from it and yes sometimes i do let him watch something that are not educational and yes he watchs some horror movies with me and likes um and does not have night mares lucky for him and i
2006-09-27 11:17:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as soon as he/she sits. It depends on what you let your child watch. cbeebies is a good channel on sky for children and when they are a little grown up you could continue them with some cartoons.
You should also let there be some moderation
2006-09-27 08:07:38 · answer #8 · answered by Bussywales 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the program you let them watch..babies have an habit of grasping thinks happening around them..this stage sets their character...child programs offered are only to childrens of 19 months n above...but still younger children grasps and it even shape thier character..dont make them watch horrible n voilence scenes until 10...till then avail them good laguage,cutural &knowledge oriented programs
2006-09-27 08:04:14 · answer #9 · answered by SARATH C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children should never watch TV until they are at least ten years old. It puts way too many ideas into their heads! After that only G rated movies!
2006-09-27 07:59:10 · answer #10 · answered by Maggie 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋