When I was a boy, shows like Seasame Street and Electric Company, and then later shows like NOVA really had a strong impression on me, and I believe really helped forge my interest in science and math. So I agree it matters what you let your kids watch, and how much. My son (now 22 months) wasn't really that interested in TV until we started taking him to daycare where I know they have the TV on a lot, and now when he sees a TV he often stares at it will a drugged, glazed look in his eyes. This is when TV can become the "cathode ray nipple". One trick is to make TV engaging, by watching with your child and asking them questions about what they see, etc.
TV is not inherently bad or dangerous, but can be addictive. As an adult I have found that when I watch more than 1-2 hours of TV at a time, it tends to increase my level of depression. I plan on limiting my kids to no more than 1 hour a day (once they are old enough to want to watch), and suggesting a god mix of education vs. pure entertainment.
PBS and other educational TV
When I was a boy, shows like Seasame Street and Electric Company, and then later shows like NOVA really had a strong impression on me, and I believe really helped forge my interest in science and math. So I agree it matters what you let your kids watch, and how much. My son (now 22 months) wasn't really that interested in TV until we started taking him to daycare where I know they have the TV on a lot, and now when he sees a TV he often stares at it will a drugged, glazed look in his eyes. This is when TV can become the "cathode ray nipple". One trick is to make TV engaging, by watching with your child and asking them questions about what they see, etc.
TV is not inherently bad or dangerous, but can be addictive. As an adult I have found that when I watch more than 1-2 hours of TV at a time, it tends to increase my level of depression. I plan on limiting my kids to no more than 1 hour a day (once they are old enough to want to watch), and suggesting a god mix of education vs. pure entertainment.