Toddlers and TV

Before the Princess even arrived we decided that he/she would watch little or no TV.

The reality wasn't quite like this and we started to allow a selected number of programmes be watched. We are always careful to ensure that she only watches CBeebies (a high quality non commercial channel) and that the programmes watched were (in our opinion) suitable.

For some reason TV has started to bother me recently, I have noticed a few things that I don't like and after doing some research we have decided to limit the Princess to a much more restricted amount of images.

Our main reason is the research done in America by Dr. Dimitri A. Christakis, lead researcher and director of the Child Health Institute at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle. Studies there have proven a link between TV watching and ADHD which generally shows up in children at around age 7.

Quick scene shifts of video images become "normal," to a baby "when in fact, it’s decidedly not normal or natural." Christakis says. Exposing a baby’s developing brain to videos may overstimulate it, causing permanent changes in developing neural pathways.

The study recommends that children under age 2 should watch no TV at all and under three it should be less than an hour and in no more than 15 mins at a time.

I have been guilty of using the TV to get something done (I know that I can prepare tea during Balamory for example) - but no more.

An explosion of kidvids for the bouncy chair set has hit the market. These include Baby Einstein, Baby Mozart, So Smart etc. TV shows, such as Teletubbies, aim at 18-month-old toddlers. These videos are peddled as "educational tools" to "give your baby a head start." The truth is, they are a video-tether that keeps baby out from underfoot.

Parents take away crucial life experiences from their child every time they pop in Baby Einstein. But they do love how it takes the baby out of their hair for awhile Listen to what parents say in testimonials about infant videos:

"I love spending time with my boy but let's face it, there are times when you just have to have 10 minutes or so to yourself so that you can wash the dishes or do laundry; that's when you pop this video in. It's 25 minutes of entertainment that holds the attention of even very young children." Chris Hudson (son 10 months), San Antonio, Texas.

"There are times I rewind it and play it again and again until I get the dishes done and order restored. My son is captivated (and hopefully learning something)". Mom In Connecticut

"The only thing I wish is that the videos were longer than 30min." Melissa Perruzi, Clinton Mississippi (From Baby Eisntein reviews on Amazon.com).

So that's it - decision made - much less TV in this house - infact from now on there will be next to nothing for the Princess - but as for us - I'm off for a fix of TV right now whilst the Princess sleeps.