i have a 3 yr old son,he is not much addicted to tv,but i wanted to know?

Question

is watching tv bad for kids,he wtches sond,cartoons and animal planets.he is very much interested in animal planet.i thnk on holidays he watches tv for about two to three hrs not constanly,but having break.on week days he watches a half an hr.what abt computers?he is also interested in playing wth mouse,drwaings pics,so should encourage that or in what can i can make watching tv and computers non harmful and how can i make it useful in eucational way for my son?pls help

Answer 1

The first five years are critical in learning. Children learn through play mostly. In order for children's brain to grow they need to interact with the environment. When ever children learn their brain cells make connections or branch out. In brain strudies you can actually see learning taking place. In other studies whatching tv shows no growth or brain cells connecting unless there is an adult talking to the child about what he is whatching on tv. In other words interactions between child and adult or environment is crutial for learning. During the first five years there are critical periods in which the child needs to have certain experiences with the environment in order to make learning certain concepts easier later on in life. If the child does not have those experiences that critical period will be lost for ever. The younger the child the more brain cells they have. If they don't use them they will dye and will be gone forever. The younger you are the easier it is to learn. The older you are the more challenging it is to grasp a concept or to learn. Giving children the opportunity to play outside and setting up activities for them like playing with playdough and blocks helps them test out and experiment with their ideas. It's even better if an adult is interacting with the child. To make the long story short it's essential that you limit tv viewing to 1/2 hour a day. Personally I only allow my children to what tv on the weekends. I have three children under 5 years of age. Of course its alot harder because I'm dealing with three busy active kids. But its my responsibility as a parent to expose my children to as much learning as posible through play and with out pressure. I allow computer usage as long as its educational. TV programs are limited to PBS kids or noggin commertial free programs. I avoid nickolodian and cartoon network, or unducational programs.

Answer 2

Your son is 3. Kids are going to watch tv, and if you have not yet acknowledged this as an "addiction" than I wouldn't be too worried. Honestly, 2-3 hrs. is not a lot of time for a child. All you need to do is make sure he takes breaks and gets outside a lot. Animal Planet is already an educational channel, although i'm sure he only likes to see the animals, and cartoons are completely normal. I'm actually suprised that he doesn't watch more than half an hour per day.

Answer 3

Kids at that age are very impressionable. Be very careful what your child watches on TV. The TV can be a great tool for children to learn with. Watching shows that have lots of colors and different sounds are good. There are lots of good shows that have educational backgrounds that are fun for the kids to watch and learn with. Nothing tops PLAYING WITH YOUR CHILDREN. Your child will learn more through human interactions. Computers are great tools. There is plenty of software out there to help children learn numbers and letters. It promotes the eye hand coordination. I wouldn't let them play too much on the computer though. It sounds like you have the right idea. Limit the time the child spends in front of a TV or computer. Keep up the good work.

Answer 4

As long as he is active . Get some fresh air in him . Show him the great out doors . Exercises and an active lifestyle is better . This is why there is so many overweight children in the US today (not saying yours is ) Too much sitting around watching TV , playing on the computer or playing video games . Too much of anything can be bad for anyone .

Answer 5

The best way to keep it balanced is equal time on and off computer/TV. 30 minutes playing outside, then 30 minutes watching TV. Drawing on the computer for 20 minutes, then drawing on paper for 20 minutes. Same with video games and reading.

Answer 6

I would say yes but that is just me. Certin things on Animal Planet could be very educational and I would probably incourage him to watch that. Probably not cartoons though.

The American Academy Of Pediatrics recomends parents not allow there children to watch tv before the age of two.

Answer 7

I think Its wonderful if you make him watch educational programs. And lately computer programs are very good, and educational.
HOWEVER. he should not spend more than 1-2 hours in front of the TV and monitor. its not an active way of leaarning, and is really bad for his eyes. Try to vary activities, physical activities,outdoor games..instead of watching animal planet he could learn the same by walking around in the zoo for instance.

Answer 8

I think it depends on the child. I have one who has what we call television disease. At three he would sooner starve or wet his pants than leave the tv screen.
I have three that can take it or leave it. Didn't do anything different.
Just watch what he likes, and use your judgment in determining whether or not is has value.
I think the computer, for art, should be indulged. That's creating, imagining, and it gives them a good sense of control.

Answer 9

sitting watching television, sitting playing on a computer (why a 3 year old NEEDS to play on a computer is beyond me) is NOT going outside getting fresh air and exercise...can you say COUCH POTATO? Or how about slow metabolism that results in OBESITY? Three hours is FAR too long for a child of three to be exposed to the crap on television. As well as the crap on computers.

Answer 10

I think as long as he is not becoming a complete couch potato and getting plenty of excercise incorporated into his daily activities he is ok. i myself, got rid of the cable at my house about a year and a half ago because i thought my kids were watching to much t.v. my kids find other things to do now and i honestly dont miss it much.