Your Toddler or Preschooler and TV

Many parents find it easier to cope up with their routine and finish their daily tasks by making the toddler seat with the television on. However, if this is practiced daily or frequently, you will be shaping your child’s brain, so that he/she will be less able to entertain himself over time.

Why Is This a Problem?

• TV changes in brain development.
• It can also manipulate kids when they learn to read and may keep them from becoming good students.
• Instead of huge time spend on TV, toddlers and preschoolers have other developmental work to do such as running around, blocks, art, engaging with other people, and so much more.
• TV is addictive and it becomes a habit for life. Every child will face issues while growing up with screen addiction.
• Limiting screen time is no solution. Better, not to get a habit started and leave the child time for developing a habit of reading.

Does TV Teach Children to Hit?

Violent programs are common on television. It can be seen even in cartoons and animated movies. Violence is shown as a way of solving the problems by a good character. Even good guys beat up the bad guys. Children make these good guys their heroes and try to mimic them. Exposure to violence time and again makes children less sensitive towards its effects on victims and the human suffering it can cause. Watching TV is linked to aggressive behavior in many kids, according to studies.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD OF TV

Most of the toddlers and preschoolers who are never exposed to TV keep themselves occupied and stay busy. If you are trying to break the habit of your toddler, you can use electronic books. These books are more creative and not addictive in nature. Also, they offer kids downtime where they are engrossed in the books and less likely to need your attention.

In your free time, you can play games and various activities with children instead of allowing them to watch television. This method will help in their development and growth.