How Much Is Too Much Television?

Hi L. - I would say that is probably reasonable... I know the AAP may recommend less, and other parents say less too, and in an ideal worls, I too would say less. BUT, in my world, I work full time and have 2 little ones who wake up at the crack of dawn in the morning. EVERY day, as much as I try to 'slow down' & enjoy the moment, is a rat race. I never feel like I have enough time to get stuff done around my house etc., so I think using the tv a little as you do is reasonable. My son would watch 24/7 if I let him, but I don't. The kids get to watch in the morning while we're getting ready for work, etc. and sometimes after daycare (30 mins tops usually), but generally no tv at night. Weekends a little more. I haven't found tv to adversely affect my son's development. He's nearly 4, VERY bright AND very active. My daughter, 15 mos, isn't as into the tv, but will watch sometimes and gets much more engaged in shows/dvds targeted her age group (sesame street, baby einsteins, etc.).

To each their own really... as long as you're not compromising in other areas, I don't think tv will do any damage. It seems you're very conscious and do put limits out there which is key. Good luck!

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Just another idea to get a little time to yourself- we have a play yard that we also use as our travel bed for her. I think Graco makes it- I swear it was the ONLY play yard I could find! This is what they did in the old days- they put the kid(s) in here while doing housework. I've trained my daughter to go in there once a day for about 20 minutes or so- and have it set up in the kitchen. She is now 2yrs old, and she enjoys it- I let her know she's getting ready to go in there, and ask her what she wants to bring with her- crayons, blocks, books, whatever. She loves being able to have some control over her activities. Then, she is just content to play on her own for a while, and keeps her from being underfoot when I cook or do dishes. And I think it helps her to take charge of her own entertainment. We've avoided TV shows as much as possible, but we have recently (past couple of months) been setting up a Winnie the Pooh show every other day, maybe up 20-40 minutes strategically if we need to do something else. Wow- I must admit it is a wonderful thing in small doses.

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Hi L., Just a thought...I noticed that your daughter tends to watch TV when you're making meals. I know it's hard to cook and watch a little one, but I have two alternatives to TV:
1) If you have room, put a toy kitchen in your kitchen. Your little one can "cook" her own meals while you make yours.
2) When she gets a little older your daughter might like the Learning Tower (see littlepartners.com) so she can "help" or at least be at counter level while you prep for mealtime. (Being at counter level seems to keep kids engaged.) My little one colors pictures or makes playdough meals at the counter while in her tower (essentially, an enclosed step stool) while I cook. It's an investment piece, but your kids will use it every day for a long time.
Good luck!

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I don't know the answer, and I think you've gotten a lot of good advice already. But I do want to say that my kids watch no TV, only DVDs, because I don't want them watching commercials, and the only DVDs we buy are educational (which it sounds like you've got covered already). We like Signing Time (even though my kids are both talking, but these DVDs are great) and French DVDs (I'm teaching them French), plus some ABC DVDs. My rule is one (usually about 30 min) DVD a day, but most days go by without any DVD at all. I don't put one in unless they ask for it or are getting totally out of hand on a rainy day. I also usually watch the DVD with them (although sometimes I do try to get dinner going) so that there is at least some interaction involved. So 2 1/2 hours sounds like a lot to me, but I'm basing this only on a gut feeling and not on evidence of anything. I definitely think some (educational) TV or DVDs is fine and even good, even for toddlers, despite all the research you hear about. I haven't seen any research that restricts the type of programming or differentiates between TV and DVD, and I've definitely seen that the DVDs we've used have taught our kids ABCs, sign language, and French. Used in combination with hands-on instruction, I think they can be valuable tools.

My husband and I do not watch any TV ourselves, although we rent movies on the rare occasion that we have time for that. I don't know how much TV you and your husband watch, but kids do learn their habits from their parents, so you might pay attention to how much you're watching versus how often you go "play" outside etc.

My mom got me a book called "Unplugged Play: No Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun" a couple of years ago, and it has some great suggestions for activities kids can do, some by themselves. One thing I let my boys (1 and 3) do sometimes when I'm cooking and they're having trouble occupying themselves is to decorate cans in my pantry with stickers. I get little round stickers in different colors and ask them to stick a sticker on every can. Then they can sort the cans into groups by color. When all the tops have stickers, they can put stickers on the bottom! They love this, and it keeps them out of my hair. The book has lots of other ideas as well, plus it has nice suggestions for birthday parties.

We've also played "post office" with junk mail. First they put stickers in the corner for a postage stamp and then use an ink stamp to stamp all the mail just like they do when it comes into the post office. Then they distribute it around the house to various "mail boxes" (just shelves and chairs, but you could use old shoe boxes or something). Then they take a bag and go collect the mail. This takes minimal direction from me, especially with the 3-year-old, and it is a good thing to do while you need to be cooking dinner.

Play dough (the above-mentioned book has a good and easy recipe for the homemade type) is also great if your kids are old enough not to eat it. Set them up with some cookie cutters and rolling pins and then go about your business.

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I agree with Jill H. People need to lighten up. I have never seen anything on PBS or Noggin that is harmful to a child! I completely agree that they shouldn't be parked in front of the t.v. all day, but as long as they are getting a lot of excercise and using their minds in other ways then whats the problem? My kids watch t.v. here and there throughout the day. They also run around outside, read books, we play games as a family and many other activities! My kids are well-rounded very intelligent kids. My boys certainly aren't watching HBO and Cinemax, they watch age-appropriate, educational shows. Don't drive yourself crazy with all of the studies and research. For every study that shows one thing, you can find one that says another! You sound like you are doing a great job, just use common sense and you'll be fine :)

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My kids watch about the same amount per day. Relax, it's fine. I think more people do it then don't. Society makes you feel like a lazy or bad mom for allowing them to watch tv. Honestly, I don't see the harm in a couple of hours a day. If your daughter is able to socialize and play, then relax, you're doing just fine.

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I think in general less is better. I, too, use the television as a babysitter to get stuff done otherwise my two kids are right on top of me. I get frustrated with my hubby at times on the weekends and evenings b/c he'll put it on for entertainment and I feel if we're both home then the TV shouldn't be on at all really-maybe one show if my son asks for it. I've spoken to him about it and it's a little better but still way more than than I would prefer. The other issue is picking and choosing your battles. In the grand scheme of things I don't think watching T.V. will stunt our child's development. The fact that you are concerned about it makes me think that you give lots of attention to your daughter and do many educational and interactive things with her. As far as TV is concerned, do what you can and don't stress over it.
Both my parents worked and I watched a lot of TV when I was a child and I still managed to graduate from college and become a functional member of society ;)

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Tough one...I know that I personally watch too much TV but have cut way back since having my son. He's still little so haven't decided yet on how much he'll watch, but I just read a great book about this called, "The Other Parent" about media and children - if you want to read it, I would actually give it to you since I'm done with it - private message me your address! It has some nice guidelines and doesn't go too far in either direction (i.e. NO TV at all or TV all day long).

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I am going to come down on the no tv side as I feel strongly about this and have read a lot on it so don't take it personally - ultimately we all make the choices we feel are best with the information we have.

That said, your daughter's age is a key factor, under 2 years old should be no TV/screen time. This includes dvds and baby einstein. A lot of mothers (including some of your responses) honestly believe it is good for their children and convince themselves that it's really furthering their education but exactly the opposite is true. Their little brains are still growing, their neurons are making new connections everyday based on what they see and do. Sitting still and watching something in such a one dimensional fashion will cause the brain to "wire" itself differently then interacting with a parent or sibling or doing imaginative play would. Obviously it's not so striking that you'd see some blatant cognitive impairment immediately; on the contrary, it may seem like it makes them brighter. But in the long term, as they grow into older children, differences become apparent in the ways they think about things, what they need for stimulus, attention span etc. Doesn't it seem likely that the increase in TV watching and the increase in attention and hyperactivity disorders over the last 4 decades are somehow related? Increased TV time = decreased attention span. Watching more TV is definitely linked to obesity as well.

I know it sounds difficult to believe but the evidence at the moment really suggests TV has no benefits (esp at a young age, even baby einstein) and is almost certainly harmful. Think about what a high percentage of her waking time that is - my 22 month old sleeps about 14 hrs/day including naps - so 2.5 hrs is nearly a full 20% of her waking time!

I'd try to reduce the TV time and convince your hubby to do the same using all the good suggestions you got here. You have her beautiful mind to nurture. Have her help with the laundry, cleaning etc or let it wait til she's in bed.

You sound like a resourceful, caring Mom and I wish you the best!

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Honestly, I think your doing the right thing. You have to get something done and that keeps them entertained and not tripping you because they want to be under foot. All day is a big mistake. My son tries to watch TV all day because honestly I was young when I had and didn't know any better. We were recently at our DR's office and she informed us that 2 hours a day is a limit to watch. It's better to have 2 hours a week total she said but then nothing could get done.
We have actually just made a change and removed all cable from our home. It's more of a lifestyle change to spend our time WITH our family and focus on the important things like that and building our business. TV can be a big distraction and I think it's starting to hurt families more than save them. BUT that is my opinion and only an opinion to what I could see in my family.
I think its worth having your husband attend a DR visit and bringing it up gently. "I worry she watches too much TV, what's your opinion DR?" This way your not pointing the finger at your husband or starting an arguement. It took me trying to get rid of cable for almost 6 months before mine agreed with me. He only agreed after hearing others talk about how it effected their lives...a conversation I didn't once bring up.
Best of luck.

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To be honest, 2.5 hrs sounds like a bit much. All day TV with your husband is definitely too much. Really, your husband shouldn't be watching that much TV either! This time of year (except for June, which was rainy and awful), it's easy to spend time outdoors! We take daily walks around the neighborhood.

I do understand the value of TV as a distraction while you are getting things done. In the morning, especially.

I did let my daughter watch TV prior to age two. She's very bright, so TV hasn't ruined her. But I've always popped in and commented on what she's watching, asked questions of her (Even before she could talk and answer me). I think it helps prevent them from zoning out, and helps them process what they're watching.

Some ideas: While I'm cooking, I have lots of activities in the kitchen for her, so that I can work and watch her at once. Fridge magnets are great (and she learned her ABCs!) I also have a cabinet that she's allowed into with kitchen stuff to play with. I also set up paper and crayons on the floor for her to color. Now that she's two, I get her more involved and explain/show her what I'm doing with the chopping, stirring, etc.

One thing that wasn't mentioned so far: if you watch tv, the action is all in your head, and your body is "limb". This can make you unhappy and unhealthy. My son seems to already understand that. Here is how "screen time" is managed at our home.

We watch no tv at all, except for an educational show on sundays, which is 30 minutes long, if we are around the house (often we're out).

Often my children are fine when i am cooking (with activities other responders have also listed: playing with clay, "cooking" themselves (we have a kids' kitchen in the kitchen), fridge magnets etc). But sometimes i will put my laptop on the kitchen table and my older child (3.5 years) will watch a dvd. This will be for 20-50 minutes. He watches the same things over and over again: Elmo, sesame street, and other things from my culture (i am European) like Barbapapa, Sendung mit der Maus. We also have a documentary on horses which he likes. My daughter will watch with him for a few minutes (esp. Barbapapa), then go play.

When my son wants to watch more i explain to him that it is not good for him, because all the action is in his head, and the rest of his body doesn't do anything. I tell him that this makes you feel funny. And he seems to understand. I tell him, when he is older he can choose for himself and "overinduldge" on screen time, and see how it makes him feel for himself.

i would be careful with tv-time and consider reducing it. A friend of mine is a medical doctor, and she claims she can spot the child who watches a lot of TV by physical appearance and behaviour. sometimes it's challenging to come up with alternative activities, but i think the whole family will be happier for it.

good luck,
D.

I understand the need to get things done, so I won't say no TV like the experts do -- tv can really save us some times! If she is an infant, I would say no tv. For an older child though I would say no more than an hour -- in 2 half hour blocks (or even shorter blocks are better). Kids do not have long attention spans. If you sit her in front of the tv for 1 1/2 hours all at once, this will hurt her. She is learning to zone out to the tv (since it is not natural for her to sit and watch for that long) and it will make it harder for her to pay attention when she needs to. This is just what I have observed as a teacher. I would try putting music on in the kitchen and having her dance with you while you do dishes, setting up an art project at the table, or giving her own little bucket to help you wash or dry, have her help fold some easy laundry, etc. instead of relying on the tv for such a long stretch. I always say that everything needs to be in moderation. There may be a day when you let her watch more (when she is sick and you need to slow her down for example) but that should be a rare treat. Also, the housework can always wait. I do my dishes and laundry after the kids are asleep so I can enjoy my time with them.

Good luck!
E.

I know it's hard to get things done when the little ones want your attention, but I would encourage you to try to scale back on the tv. Here is juse one website I recently found when I did a search for things to do wiht toddlers:
http://www.twinslist.org/toddler.htm
There are lots more websites like this one out there. Sometimes I put my daughters high chair close to the kitchen counter (where I am chopping veggies or otherwise prepping dinner) and let her watch what I'm doing as I explain everything to her. She has some fake fruits and bowls/knives/spoons etc. that she can use to mimick what I'm doing. Sometimes just putting her on the floor with some crayons and paper is all it takes. Find what your kid responds to and encourage her to amuse herself while you do what you need to do.

Your husband is a different story. Kids need their parents to talk to them... A LOT. THAT should be how they learn language and 123's in my opinion. As kids depend more and more on artificial means of amusement they lose social skills, or fail to learn them at all. Have your husband read with your daughter and ask her questions throughout the book. depending on how old your daughter is, the questions could be anything from, "what does the cow say," to "what do you think the boy is feeling in this picture?" You get the idea. talk to them, sing to them, ask them to "help" with what you're doing, do everything you can think of, and if all else fails use the tv as a last resort.

My boys get 1 20 minute show in the morning before breakfast. From there if my oldest is home he plays w/ his little brother or they get a few chores to complete together like putting away the clothes or putting dishes in the dish washer my youngest will rinse them and my oldest will put them in or I give them the broom and vaccuum or a dust rag. If its just my youngest home I will keep him busy with helping me do everything. I have a spray bottle w/ just water so he can "clean" with me or I will give him the duster, he helps mop, sweep, do dishes, etc. I don't know how old your daughter is you didn't say but 2.5 hrs is way too much tv invite her to help you in the kitchen, laundry, and cleaning. My boys love to help mix pancakes or help get a salad ready. Kids love to dump things so you'd be surprised. Another thing that keeps my 2 year old busy if I'm in the kitchens is I put a chair at the sink and give him some plastic cups and he plays in a little water.

The AAP says that 2 hours should be the max for all screens...movies, computer, video games.

If your child is under three, they say no TV at all...it doesn't really help them learn but it does affect their brain development negatively.

Hi L.,
I would not worry. I have read that TV can help children with language (if it's shows like the ones you mention) and that repetition is actually helpful. Maybe try getting a DVD so your daughter is hearing and seeing the same thing and getting that added benefit of repetition. I try to talk about what my son watched or occassionally throw in some comments like "Look, Big Bird is yellow!" I also encourage him to play with his cars or other toys while the TV is on. I hate to admit it, but once baby #2 came along there was a lot more TV - it was our treat while I nursed and it worked.

My husband does the same thing as yours, but I think he just doesn't know what else to do. If I suggest something like "We usually love to go outside at this time and play ball" he's all too happy to do that too! Or if I ask if he minds if I turn off the TV he says go ahead.

Good luck. I'm pretty sure I watched a lot of Tom & Jerry - no alphabet, no lessons, nothing, and I've got an MA in English and no violent tendencies :-)

Personally, I think that's too much tv for a 20 month old. It's hard to keep them busy when your busy. Pick the time of day when you really need the break the most (cooking dinner) and that can be when she has her tv for the day (1/2 hour seems about right).

It's time to get creative! Let her help you do the housework (she could put clothes into the dryer, bang pots and pans, or play with tupperware on the floor). Or if you need to keep her contained, give her some things to play with and put her in her highchair or the pack and play for a few minutes. Also make sure you get down on the floor and play with her so she learns how to play and soon she'll figure out how to entertain herself.

I think too much tv is when the child is asking for tv all the time and prefers it over toys, doing things, going outside ect.
You are right, you do not want her depending on tv for her entertainment. In my day we called it the "electronic" babysitter.
And two and half hours seems a lot for such a little girl.I do not think it is good for her to sit in front of a TV for so long a time each day. One wants a child to use their imaginations, yes? To be active. I think tv stifles their curiosity if they are allowed too much.
There are wonderful programs for children on PBS. We seldom let my 3 yr old grandson watch tv unless it is pbs.
We have several Einstein tapes but we watch them with him so he can benefit from them.
He has children's movies. Sometimes in the evening , after supper, if he asks we put on one of his movies.
And he has several shows he is allowed to watch. Calliou, Word World, ect.
Do not worry about the talking thing, it will come soon enough .
Perhaps she does not have toys that particularly appeal to her? Can you take her to a toy store and let her pick out something? If she selects the toy she may be more inclined to play with it.
Final word on TV ( or most everything) Moderation. I have found that moderation is the key to just about everything.
Best wishes and God bless
Grandmother Lowell

You didn't say how old she was and if she can play by herself and keep herself busy. But I think it depends a lot on how old she is, what else she has done during the day, etc. There are days that we do watch more tv, especially if it raining out and cold. But days like today, we didn't watch any. See you if you can get her to do something else instead for the first half-hour, like color, read a book, play with stickers, decorate a box, make a card, etc., then after that turn on the TV for a half an hour. The TV is easy and believe me, after a long day I jump at the chance at turning it on, but sometimes if I just put some playdoh out or a new sticker book or just not turn on the tv, my son will be fine on his own while I make dinner, or do laundry, etc. To keep him busy without TV, I let him have free reign of my older pots and pans and spoons and he pretends to make dinner while I'm making dinner. I give him empty containers, seasonings, etc and he goes to town. He also has a bunch of magnets on the fridge that he plays with and this keeps him busy for a while. See what happens if you try something else but, if all else fails or it just isn't working out and you need some quiet time, a little tv a day is probably fine. I think as long as she has you and other stimulus during the day, books, playtime, outside time etc. you are doing fine!!