Should children under two watch television?

1. 71

   cactusbytheseaposted 12 years ago

   Should children under two watch television?

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2. 83

   LauraGTposted 12 years ago

   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 2 watch no television.  The research shows no educational benefit and that it may even harm language development.
   
   Will a little bit hurt?  Probably not.  The problem is that it creates a slippery slope and habits that are hard to break. 
   
   Putting a kid in front of a TV can be tempting, but I think the extra effort spent to get them set up with an art project or some other activity so you can get some stuff done is well worth it.  I think kids can do a better job than parents think of entertaining themselves if given the chance. I may be spoiled by my kids, who are exceptional at entertaining themselves.  Then again, they've never watched TV.  Chicken or egg?  Not sure!  They sometimes drive me crazy, but I'm happy to have a TV free house. 

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3. 0

   Lizam1posted 12 years ago

   In an ideal world no but for many families - the tv can be a safe alternative to an unattended toddler while mum or dad attends to another child or prepares dinner - if the child can't help out and be part of the activity.  I think it's all about balance and managing how your family work best.

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4. 60

   Recently Awakenedposted 12 years ago

   I don't think children, or anyone for that matter, should watch television. The only exception to this, of course, is educational movies and material. TV programs, especially comercials and the news, offers selective information to influence the audience in what ever direction the "powers that be" decide and brainwashes consumers.

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5. 74

   fitmomposted 12 years ago

   As someone else said, the AAP recommends no TV until age 2. After that, it is supposed to be 30 minutes for every year of the child's age. Personally, I think that guideline is a little much.
   
   My first child did not watch any TV until 2ish (except for a long trip or two in the car and even then we waited until the end of the trip when all the tricks in the bag were used up). She loves to read books and knows how to play independently. I do let her watch certain shows now, but it is usually an incentive she earns.
   
   I'm glad that I had a no TV rule for my first and have done the same with my second. In fact, the rare time that the TV has been on, my baby will look for a second and then continues to play.
   
   They'll have plenty of time for TV and movies when they're older.

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   1. 0

      Lizam1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      wow so my thirteen year old would be watching 7.5 hours of TV per day!  Great guidleine:-)

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6. 61

   Bethalegposted 12 years ago

   No. We don't have a TV at all and my kids all know how to play by themselves, and love reading books. Reading a book with a parent is ALWAYS a better alternative than the TV. I wish so bad parents would not use a TV as a babysitter...but it continues to happen.

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7. 90

   moonlakeposted 12 years ago

   All our kids watched tv at age 2 either cartoons, Mr.Rodgers and Sesame Street . They're grown now. They speak just fine because we talked with them and that's where they learned how to speak. We also had lots of books, block, colors and toys for them to play with. Every night we read one or two bedtime stories to them. They played in their sandboxes on their swings. They knew how to play independently. Doctors also believed once that bottles were better for babies than breast milk.  I think you have to do what you think is best and what your comfortable with, but don't call someone who lets their kids watch tv a bad parent. Bad parents are parents who murder and abuse their child.

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8. 57

   DeAn0426posted 12 years ago

   The question is can children under two grasp the concepts to which they are watching.  I don't think it is a problem just as long as the parent provide them with watching educational shows that will stimulate their developing minds. Honestly, children under two shouldn't be in front of TV. They should be playing with toys, books etc.; developing their sense of touch and sight.

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9. 85

   peachpurpleposted 12 years ago

   Children who watch too much television have disrupted sleep patterns, behavior and becomes lazy easily. List out strict rules for your kids to abide in order to reduce kids behavior problems read more

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10. 61

    robesposted 12 years ago

    I personally believe there is not reason for a child to watch television. There are plenty of other things to keep them occupied if that is your issue. No sense it getting them addicted on accident.

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11. 60

    mismazdaposted 12 years ago

    Yes...but only educational programs. I have two children, ages 4 and 2, and they have been watching tv since the age one, and trust me I screen the contents. I do not let them watch reality, Rrated, or PG , or horror films. Their tv usually stay on Nick Jr, and they have learned things that my husband and I have not came across to teach them yet. So I say, as longs as it is educational...Good luck...BTW..I do restrict how long the can watch tv...

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12. 57

    kdawsonposted 12 years ago

    Look, let's look at the real world.  When kids take an interest in TV it is a blessing for the parents right up there with sleeping through the night and potty training.  With a little off guard you can cool down a bit and handle what's coming better.  I think, in practical terms, it's good for everybody.

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13. 69

    zoey24posted 12 years ago

    Before long, Alfie was signing anything and everything, he would sign at home and at day care. We started recording 'Something Special' everyday, so Alfie could watch it when he got home. He soon became excited to get home and watch his new favourite programme. As well as the signing he began shouting the phrases from the programme at the TV. The most popular phrases being "Mr Tuuuuuumble" read more

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14. 59

    NourRifaiposted 12 years ago

    yeah but as longs its for children channel with colors and cartoons cz first he'll be surprised by the beauty of the pictures and second he be happy with the music and baby talk

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