My 20-month-old daughter clearly knows Sponge Bob Squarepants (“Bub-bob”) and can sing the song well enough that even non-family members recognize it. She is also more than familiar with “Dora” and “Diego”; I think she expects them to come over for a visit any minute now.
A few years ago, in the before-children era (B.C.), if someone told me that my children would have known TV characters at such a young age, I would have been appalled. What kind of parent lets her children watch television while she is cooking dinner, or in the car, or in the morning while getting the older ones ready for school? Clearly, this parent does. I have obviously learned that B.C. ideas don’t always go hand in hand with solutions for the children era (C.E.).
Yes, I admit without shame that I have relied on television to give me a break. Especially with deployments and my husband’s long absences — ok, military living — my children have become quite cozy with our television set both in the living room and in the car. My 4-year-old knows how to turn it on and get to the cartoon channels, which is not that simple if you know a modern satellite remote control. Hey, my parents still can’t figure it out how to work that thing when they visit.
But is it harmful for children to watch TV at a young age?
Let’s see what the experts have to say. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that parents should limit “children’s use of TV, movies, and video and computer games to no more than one or two hours per day.” They also recommend not putting a television in a child’s bedroom or letting them watch TV while doing homework.
I’m sometimes skeptical of so-called expert advice when it comes to children, especially because some of it is unrealistic (never raise your voice, never lose your patience, be in control…come on, do you have any idea the stress moms are under, not to mention military wives?) But, I do try to limit the amount of TV the kids watch, and we’ve resisted putting one in their bedroom. Most parents set some limits like these, even if, like me, they don’t exactly meet the guidelines.
However, watching TV can be a good family activity from time to time. I ask the kids questions about the story, the characters, what’s happening, and whether or not it’s real. There is a lot more learning involved that way.
And even in those times when I just need a break, a little mindless video entertainment, as long as it’s balanced by exercise and creative play, it isn’t that big of a deal. The point is that TV is not all bad. So enjoy the cartoons and don’t stress. “Bub-bob” is not an appropriate baby-sitter, but don’t feel guilty if he occasionally buys you half an hour of relaxation.
5 Comments
BEWARE: Our kids watched sponge bob every night while I made dinner.I thought harmless no big deal till…our kids conversation was on the same level of Sponge Bob himself and whined all the time. It seemed like normal conversation was WHINE WHINE WHINE, we don’t watch sponge bob anymore and I have noticed that the WHINE LEVEL is no longer at an all time high. Try it just listen to the t.v. when sponge bob’s on and take notice at how much he whines.
My kids Montesorri School doesn’t like any TV for kids. My daughter was singing the “Little Einsteins” theme song on the way into school, oh well!
They haven’t kicked us out yet, ha ha!
Krista
Girl, tv is my ”me” time..lol Now dont get me wrong i have a 5year old and a 2yr old. In they r busy with activities durning the day. But some time to just have order in my house (due to my husband at sea rite now) they watch tv. my daugher loves ”Dora”.
I understand on how you think (B.C.) but all that changes(when u become a parent) as a matter of fact it goes out the window..lol Nothing to feel bad about!!!!
I’m a new mom myself, my daughter isnt old enough to actually pay attention to the tv yet, but i have helped raise my younger sisters and a couple nephews [5 and 1] and a niece [3]. My niece and nephews ALWAYS watch cartoons. Everytime a family member doesnt feel like watching them or interacting with them, they send the poor little kid to the tv. of course, i’m not accusing you of letting your daughter watch tv ALL DAY, but maybe it would be less of a guilt trip if you regulate WHAT they watch. Kids learn by imitating, so whatever they see on tv, they’re going to do. my 5 yr. old nephew for example: he whines, he demands, when he gets emabarrased he says things like “don’t make me kill you!” or “cuuuurse youuuu!” and don’t forget the “i will destroy you! mark my words!”. i’v seen the kind of shows he watches and they dont teach him ANYTHING [except how to be rude i guess]. they have no educational value whatsoever. there are plenty of “cartoons” that are educational for young children, that teach manners, how to be kind to others, how to share, personal hygiene, the list goes on. its just a matter of seperating the the good shows from the “bad” shows, and exposing the right ones to your child. i’ve read from many, many books that the first 5 years of life is when a child learns the MOST. my answer to your question is: try to limit tv consumption until an older age, so that the good manners and what YOU teach them is already incrusted into their morals, and tv can become JUST a source of entertainment for them and a time to chill for you. I’m glad you posted this, many parents need to realize that exposing a child to TOO MUCH tv can become all they know.
In my house, we are are out numbered on a daily basis! As a mother of four, I’d be lying if I said I hated the television. In reality, it has proven to be a life saver on more than one occasion. However, we have firm restictions in our house about how long and what is acceptable for viewing. My kids get one hour after school, assuming homework is done, and two hours on the weekend days. We do make allowances for special occasions and family nights though. And the only time the DVD is running in the car is when we are on a road trip longer than 60 miles or one hour in duration. I am a firm believer in outside playtime and learning to work together in and outside of the family enviornment and that children do not need to be entertained 24/7!
This is not to say that when my husband is deployed or someone in the family is sick ( or whatever ) that I have not used T.V. as a crutch, because I have! I’m only saying that to use it constantly is, in the long run, doing yourself a dis-service; because you’ll be spending more time correcting the behaviors it teaches later on.
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