How Much TV Is Too Much For Your Toddler

At least one third of households have their TV turned on all the time. This I can understand. But would you believe one in four children under the age of 2 have a TV in their bedroom?

Parents and pediatricians are now questioning how much TV is too much. Is it affecting toddlers' attention spans? Is it causing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? New studies are saying that it is a factor. The more TV your toddler watches, the greater their risk of developing attention difficulties. Too much of the tube is also a factor in childhood obesity.

Here's some more food for thought. If your toddler watches TV all day, when do they have a chance to use their own imagination? Where have the days gone when going outside to play was the solution for boredom?

When I was a kid, my grandmother would make me go outside and play. If it was cold outside, I would dress up really warm. You wouldn't dare tell her you were bored, or she would give you chores to do. So, I would stay outside for hours. I had to use my imagination and find ways to cure my boredom. I would make snow forts, slide down the hills on a sled and play with the animals.

Today, most parents are turning to TV to keep their kids entertained. And why wouldn't they? With shows like Barney, Arthur, and Boohbah, you could easily keep your child glued to the TV all day long.

But here's the kicker. An average 3-year old should be physically active for about an hour a day. But studies have shown that they are only active for 20 minutes. And we wonder why so many kids are becoming obese!

There are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of TV your kids watch. There are also lots of things to do instead of being a couch potato.

- One reason your child might be watching more TV is because they like the music. Instead of turning on the TV for them, put on a CD.

- Don't eat in front of the TV. Make mealtime a chance for your family to sit together and talk.

- Try offering rewards to your toddler for not watching TV.

- Distract your toddler with other things, like toys or puzzles. Don't leave the TV running in the background.

- Go outside and let your child explore. Going for walks will introduce your toddler to new things, but letting them walk instead of riding in the stroller will also help increase their physical activity.

- Reading books is a very important part of your toddler's life. It encourages and enhances their imagination. It's also fundamental for their language development.

Make sure you discuss your "TV rules" with family members and any other caregivers.

Here's another reason to turn off the TV. Not only will you have a more active toddler, you might improve your own relationship with your partner by interacting and communicating more. This is beneficial for both you and the kids by showing a good example.

You don't have to take your kid back to the stone ages, but keeping their day filled with a variety of activities is important for their growth and development. They will thank you when they're older.

Cassandra Germsheid is the owner of Baby Tips Online (http://www.babytipsonline.com). She is a stay at home mother but sometimes works part time for her local newspaper.

---

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was... Read More

The Baby Crib: Your Child?s First Bed

It is up to you as parents whether you want... Read More

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More

The Personality Traits Of An Aries Baby

Your Aries Baby..21 March - 19 April.A typical Aries has... Read More

A Birth Announcement That Is Both Practical and Sentimental

The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome... Read More

Selecting a Baby Shower Theme: Easy as One Two Three

No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes... Read More

Potty Training Guide

Toilet training (herein referred to as "potty training") is an... Read More

On the Road Again

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get... Read More

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More

A Babys Sleeping Pattern

Sleeping..A newborn baby spends most of her time on two... Read More

Facts You Should Know About Baby Shower Etiquette

Whether you're hosting a baby shower for the first time... Read More

For Mother and Baby ? What Do You Give? A Gift Basket of Course!

The choice for a baby or an infant gift can... Read More

Sharing Baby Photos Online with Birth Announcements & Baby Photo Album Services

Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More

Baby Shower for Second Baby

Having a shower for second baby used to be considered... Read More

The Top Diaper Bags for Stylish and Savvy Moms

Forget bears and bunnies. Today's diaper bags are all about... Read More

5 Best Free Child Games for Your Preschooler

There seems to be more and more pressure on parents... Read More

Wheres My Mother of The Year Award?

With orange juice spilled over the kitchen table, Playdough in... Read More

Learning Activities For Your Baby

Books and Babies - For babies from age 6 weeks... Read More

Baby Products ? Essential Baby Products, Which Ones Do I Really Need?

There are many essential baby products a new parent must... Read More

Preparing A Layette For Your New Baby

First of all, in case you do not know, what... Read More

Infant Circumcision

If circumcision were a choice I had to have made,... Read More

The Mystery Around Colic

You are a proud parent of a happy and healthy... Read More

Infantile Cradle Cap - Symptoms and Treatments

What is cradle cap?What is the cause?No one really knows... Read More

Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby

Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More

Childrens Gift Ideas: Babies, Toddlers, and Beyond

When your time comes to shower a new mom or... Read More

New Parents Rely on Other Moms & Dads to Prepare for Baby

When most new parents are preparing for the arrival of... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Pisces Baby

Your Pisces Baby..February 19 - March 20Your baby will have... Read More

Whats With Celebrity Baby Names?

It seems that the days of naming your son or... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More

3 Simple Steps In Searching For A Baby Name

1) BRAINSTORMIt is a good idea to pick a baby... Read More

Five Easy Steps to Potty Train Your Baby

No?Don't let your child pee or poop every where and... Read More

Introducing Your New Baby to Your Pet

Having a child is a life altering event for you... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same

When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear... Read More