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Dr Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego earning a B S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and a B A in Political Science He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
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Television: For the Child or the Parent?
I must admit when my oldest was just a young toddler, I would camp out on the living room floor with her and watch one of those well known toddler developmental videos claiming they would have some sort of positive impact on my daughter's neurological development. And as I tried to appreciate how some new brain cells and synapses were being created, I often found myself in a trance watching these very repetitive and ordinary images...to the point where I'm sure the only thing that occurred was my senses were somewhat blunted. And as my daughter sat there quietly as well, I can only assume she was experiencing the same thing I was...a general dulling of the senses.
But one thing I always noticed in my daughter after viewing a 20-30 minute video was that once the program was over, she easily fell back into the very active and inquisitive child she was. So it is those times I shared with my daughter...although I would certainly agree not much to share when just watching a television screen...that have shaped how I approach the role of television with the younger aged children I care for in my own practice. And following the basic premise I have about the importance of moderation, TV in small spurts is probably OK.
Now the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has formally stated NO television for children less than 2 years age, but frankly, I find this to be a rather extreme measure...which may surprise many of you as I often support many of the policy statements issued by the AAP. But I really do believe this is more of a common sense issue and a little bit of TV here and there is not going to harm anyone. In fact, it might give a parent just a few quiet moments to get dinner ready or catch up on e-mail or just enough peace to maintain one's sanity.
And my reason for bringing the television topic to the table? As some of you may be aware, a rather well publicized study was just released last week in the journal Pediatrics evaluating TV viewing in young children. And the conclusions? Well, if I may refer to the authors directly..."TV viewing between and 2 years of age was neither beneficial nor deleterious to child cognitive and language abilities at 3 years of age."
So in summary, just use a bit of common sense and moderation when it comes to television and our children...and enjoy the few minutes of peace.
Dr. Jeremy
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Displaying comments 4-1 of 4
4
TV's okay I think in moderation. Homework should not be done while watching TV though.
By TapTapOzzy Mar 11, 2009
3
My little 16 month old is very very active and demanding. I only get a few min. to myself when Barney is on. That is all the tv he watches and he has learned so much! Certain words and nursery rhymes. I don't see anything wrong with him watching it in moderation. Besides he loves it.
By ShellyBelly79 Mar 09, 2009
2
I think TV is ok..in moderation. Like anything else, parents need to know what their child is watching and how much. My kids always got into the discovery channel and animal shows so I felt pretty comfortable with it...they seem to have grown an appreciateion for other living creatures. TV can be a good tool if used properly. I just wish the people that made the shows on TV would be more accountable of what gets aired. But even that, nothing can take the place of parents supervision.
By awakendwoman Mar 08, 2009
1
I think TV is ok..in moderation. Like anything else, parents need to know what their child is watching and how much. My kids always got into the discovery channel and animal shows so I felt pretty comfortable with it...they seem to have grown an appreciateion for other living creatures. TV can be a good tool if used properly. I just wish the people that made the shows on TV would be more accountable of what gets aired. But even that, nothing can take the place of parents supervision.
By awakendwoman Mar 08, 2009
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