Ever since I was pregnant with Sara I would get updates from babycenter.com with useful information about my baby. Well, today I got this--
Children under the age of two should not watch television, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What?! Sara has been watching Baby Einstein since she was 2 months old and as most of you know she now loves Super Why and Word World. I know it's sad, but there are times I use the TV as a babysitter when I need to get ready in the morning or am trying to fix dinner, otherwise I'm pretty good about letting her play with toys or snack on some food but there is only so much you can give your baby before they start to get tired of the same toys especially when she can't crawl yet. So I clicked on the link and into their site to read more and this is what I found...
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids under 3 years old not watch ANY TV at all. Watching TV at a young age interferes with the brains ability to grow and make connections. It has been linked with ADHD and childhood obesity. Even shows designed and marketed towards babies are harmful. Some parents think that they are helping their baby by parking them in front of the TV but studies show that these programs have absolutely no impact educationally on kids under 3 and lead to more incidences of ADHD once kids go to school, and obesity.
Now that scares me! Or should I not be worried? Did any of you mothers let your kids watch TV before two? I mean, it's not like she's watching it ALL day, usually in the morning and after her afternoon nap- plus they're all educational shows but apparantly that doesn't matter according to the quote above. There have been times where we can't get her to stop crying and as soon as we turn on one of her shows she's smiling away, is that a bad thing?
4 comments:
OK I have so much to say about this:) I have let Emmy watch TV. She probably watches it a little too much at times. I think the kids who do have ADHD and childhood obesity have the parents who use their television as a babysitter ALL the time. I dont think there is anything wrong with a little show here and there. I also must say that emmy has learned ALOT from TV. She has learned her numbers and letters and I think sometimes it give a relaxed learning method. I cant help but to feel like a bad parent when I read these things but I think your a great mom and a hour of TV is not going to hurt her. Just my opinion maybe I am a bad mom for saying it but it is what I think :)
I agree with the above comment...I think it is when parents don't ever do anything with their kids, and they just let them watch T.V. all day, and I mean ALL day! There are times when there is nothing else that will keep their attention, and there are things that you have to do! Don't you think it's better than leaving them on the floor, or in a pack-n-play crying while you try and get ready? I know a number of moms that let their baby watch T.V.! You're a great mom! Don't worry about it!
I don't think it is a big deal especially if it is educational. Congrats on #2! That is so exciting! Sara is so stinkin cute!:) You guys got to keep having kids...lots of them because She is so cute! Ok so I decided to go private because I heard alot of horror stories and Because I use it for my personal journal/scrapbook and I want to write things with out worrying about who is gonna read it..ya know like personal / Spiritual things. I don't know...This kinda sounds stupid but We just thought it would be a good idea and just invite the people we know to see it still. Sorry such a long disription!
I'm already screwed because i'm glued to the tv 24/7.
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