How Much TV Is Too Much For Your Toddler

At least one third of households have their TV turned on all the time. This I can understand. But would you believe one in four children under the age of 2 have a TV in their bedroom?

Parents and pediatricians are now questioning how much TV is too much. Is it affecting toddlers' attention spans? Is it causing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? New studies are saying that it is a factor. The more TV your toddler watches, the greater their risk of developing attention difficulties. Too much of the tube is also a factor in childhood obesity.

Here's some more food for thought. If your toddler watches TV all day, when do they have a chance to use their own imagination? Where have the days gone when going outside to play was the solution for boredom?

When I was a kid, my grandmother would make me go outside and play. If it was cold outside, I would dress up really warm. You wouldn't dare tell her you were bored, or she would give you chores to do. So, I would stay outside for hours. I had to use my imagination and find ways to cure my boredom. I would make snow forts, slide down the hills on a sled and play with the animals.

Today, most parents are turning to TV to keep their kids entertained. And why wouldn't they? With shows like Barney, Arthur, and Boohbah, you could easily keep your child glued to the TV all day long.

But here's the kicker. An average 3-year old should be physically active for about an hour a day. But studies have shown that they are only active for 20 minutes. And we wonder why so many kids are becoming obese!

There are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of TV your kids watch. There are also lots of things to do instead of being a couch potato.

- One reason your child might be watching more TV is because they like the music. Instead of turning on the TV for them, put on a CD.

- Don't eat in front of the TV. Make mealtime a chance for your family to sit together and talk.

- Try offering rewards to your toddler for not watching TV.

- Distract your toddler with other things, like toys or puzzles. Don't leave the TV running in the background.

- Go outside and let your child explore. Going for walks will introduce your toddler to new things, but letting them walk instead of riding in the stroller will also help increase their physical activity.

- Reading books is a very important part of your toddler's life. It encourages and enhances their imagination. It's also fundamental for their language development.

Make sure you discuss your "TV rules" with family members and any other caregivers.

Here's another reason to turn off the TV. Not only will you have a more active toddler, you might improve your own relationship with your partner by interacting and communicating more. This is beneficial for both you and the kids by showing a good example.

You don't have to take your kid back to the stone ages, but keeping their day filled with a variety of activities is important for their growth and development. They will thank you when they're older.

Cassandra Germsheid is the owner of Baby Tips Online (http://www.babytipsonline.com). She is a stay at home mother but sometimes works part time for her local newspaper.

---

Babies Born With A Cleft Palate Or Lip

As many as one in 700 babies are born with... Read More

The Making of a Mini-Model

Baby modeling isn't an exclusive art - nor is it... Read More

Tough Time Deciding on a Name for Your Baby?

The conversation went something like this:"Hey honey, when we get... Read More

The First Week with Your Baby

The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments... Read More

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More

Colic Baby Bootcamp - Parent Survival Tips

Surviving a baby with colic truly deserves an award of... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (2)

With you or without you, your baby will be learning... Read More

Bonding with Baby

Most parents bond instantly with their babies, an intense feeling... Read More

20 Popular Quotations About Babies

1. "A baby is God's way of saying the world... Read More

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More

Home Remedies for Colic

You are at the end of your rope. You have... Read More

Intersting Baby Facts - Strange But True!

* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are... Read More

Your Baby?s Nursery ? What You Will Need

As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More

Should Your Baby Sleep In Your Bed?

Should baby sleep in her own cot or... Read More

Baby Poems for Saying Whats On Your Heart

Baby poems and baby shower poems can express any sentiment.... Read More

Baby Girl Clip Art

The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More

Baby Carriers - Choosing the Right Pouch, Ring Sling, or Carrier for You

With so many options out there for baby carriers it... Read More

Triumphing Over Tantrums

Before you had kids you probably witnessed an out of... Read More

Fun Nursery Themes That Will Even Have Your Baby Talking!

There are many whimsical, fun baby room themes if you... Read More

A Baby Is Born With Certain Reflexes

A Baby's Reflexes..A baby is born with certain reflexes to... Read More

Potty Training After a Divorce or Separation

Many parents share custody of their children, which presents a... Read More

Its Not Too Late to Vaccinate Against the Fear of Failure Flu

There's an epidemic in our culture. Have you heard of... Read More

Protecting Your Baby and Toddler from the Sun

Babies and young children have thinner and more delicate skin... Read More

Show Your Baby That You Read

When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More

Gift Giving For Baby

Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you... Read More

Under Carpet Heating In The Nursery ? To Help Your Baby Sleep Through The Night And More!

As new parents, we all want what's best for our... Read More

How Toddlers Can Benefit From Using Computers

It's a fact of life that we live in an... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Bag

Even though it's a popular shower gift, you may want... Read More

Best Baby Shower Invitation Ideas

The best baby shower invitation ideas help everyone to have... Read More

Etiquette for Baby Shower

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More

How To Stop Toddlers From Biting

It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers... Read More

A Birth Announcement That Is Both Practical and Sentimental

The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome... Read More