Submitted by FreddiesDaddy on July 26, 2008 - 6:33pm.
It's an interesting question. When our son (now 19 mo.) was born we planned to keep the TV off whenever he was around, and pretty much did for the first few months. When it was on, he wasn't too interested. But as he got older, we started to discover that there really is some quality kids' TV on these days. I'm a teacher, and while I'm not a specialist in early childhood development, I've found that there really is some good to be gained from some of the programs. At his age, he's not really absorbing the science lessons or math skills (I think) but I can say that he LOVES the music on some of the shows. Jack's Big Music Show for example -- if he's in a grumpy mood, all I need to do is start singing the theme song and he'lll start smiling and clapping along. If we turn on a show that isn't kid-centred, he generally has no interest.
Now, as with anything, we have some house rules. We've splurged on premium cable (Noggin is a great network!) so that he can be spared commercials, which I think probably DO have a negative impact. We do try to limit TV watching to 1-2 hours a day, though on occasion there are exceptions -- like if my wife needs help in the kitchen, I'd rather put him in his high chair and let him watch a favorite show on DVD than let him run around and potentially get hurt. I will admit that I find it a little disconcerting that he's already learned what the TV remote does and will wave it around at us when he's in the mood to watch... :) But generally when we turn it off he will go and do another activity without complaint. That's more of the main issue I think. If all a kid wants to do is watch TV, there's a problem. But if that's mixed in with lots of other activities, I don't think there's an issue. Besides, any kind of father/son bonding is a good thing!
Here's a related question: At what age do you think that a kid is responsible enough to have his own TV in his room? (Not that I'm planning to get him one anytime soon... just wondering...)
P.S. Spartacus, if it helps when talking to your wife, the college I went to is just as good (and snobby) as the ones she and her friends went to... :)
Re: How much TV is really bad or enough!!??
It's an interesting question. When our son (now 19 mo.) was born we planned to keep the TV off whenever he was around, and pretty much did for the first few months. When it was on, he wasn't too interested. But as he got older, we started to discover that there really is some quality kids' TV on these days. I'm a teacher, and while I'm not a specialist in early childhood development, I've found that there really is some good to be gained from some of the programs. At his age, he's not really absorbing the science lessons or math skills (I think) but I can say that he LOVES the music on some of the shows. Jack's Big Music Show for example -- if he's in a grumpy mood, all I need to do is start singing the theme song and he'lll start smiling and clapping along. If we turn on a show that isn't kid-centred, he generally has no interest.
Now, as with anything, we have some house rules. We've splurged on premium cable (Noggin is a great network!) so that he can be spared commercials, which I think probably DO have a negative impact. We do try to limit TV watching to 1-2 hours a day, though on occasion there are exceptions -- like if my wife needs help in the kitchen, I'd rather put him in his high chair and let him watch a favorite show on DVD than let him run around and potentially get hurt. I will admit that I find it a little disconcerting that he's already learned what the TV remote does and will wave it around at us when he's in the mood to watch... :) But generally when we turn it off he will go and do another activity without complaint. That's more of the main issue I think. If all a kid wants to do is watch TV, there's a problem. But if that's mixed in with lots of other activities, I don't think there's an issue. Besides, any kind of father/son bonding is a good thing!
Here's a related question: At what age do you think that a kid is responsible enough to have his own TV in his room? (Not that I'm planning to get him one anytime soon... just wondering...)
P.S. Spartacus, if it helps when talking to your wife, the college I went to is just as good (and snobby) as the ones she and her friends went to... :)