November 7th, 2008 TV and Your Toddler Posted by Melitsa in Education, Media, play activities

TV and Your Toddler

Author: Maeve Rich

Children love television. Bright colors and constant action draw them in and can keep them occupied for hours. But is it good for your toddler to be watching television? And if so, how much is acceptable?

The Professional Opinion

The American Academy of Pediatrics‘ position is that children under two shouldn’t watch any television at all, and children over two should be limited to two hours a day. Watching television, they say, even children’s television programs, can lead to attention problems down the road. One study, published in the April 2004 issue of Pediatrics, claimed that television overstimulates the brain and essentially reprograms it. It has to do with the fast-paced images flashing constantly across the screen, which interfere with the brain’s development.

So what about children’s television programs directed at children under the age of two? The study found that there was no link between what children were viewing and later attention problems. The simple fact that they were watching television, with its rapid images, was enough to cause interruptions in normal brain development. Children’s television shows like Blue’s Clues, while educational for children old enough to comprehend them, do nothing for children under two.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that parents play with and read to their children instead of watching TV. This personal interaction, they say, is far more important to a child’s development than any TV show could be. Once your child is two years old, limit TV watching to one hour. Gradually you can increase the amount of time spent in front of the TV as your child grows and develops.

Never let a child keep a television set in their bedroom, as this can be an unnecessary temptation for a rebellious toddler. It also makes it harder to monitor what your child is watching. And although it can be relaxing to unwind in front of the TV while eating dinner, try to avoid this. Watching TV while eating can lead to mindless eating, which may contribute to weight problems and obesity.

What They’re Watching

Although content itself doesn’t seem to increase attention problems for children under the age of two, one concern for children of any age watching television is what they may be seeing. Inappropriate images of violence and sex may hinder a child’s development. Children aren’t ready for the adult content that we have become used to. They may not understand it and have questions. It may also cause behavioral problems.

Children’s television may be harmful as well. “Pediatricians strongly oppose targeted programming, especially when it’s used to market toys, games, dolls, unhealthy food and other products to toddlers,” says the American Academy of Pediatrics. As with commercials, children have trouble associating entertaining television from programs whose purpose is to get kids to want products.

What Can They Watch?

Once a child has reached the age that watching TV is considered appropriate, you can choose educational shows which will encourage your child to sing and learn new words. Several studies have shown that educational TV shows, in moderation and at a reasonable age, may help a child’s learning. Stay away from violent programs and scary shows.

Watching TV programs together is another way to make TV a positive thing for your child. Watching together sends the message that you care. There may be times when you need to use the TV as a babysitter, but these should be as few and far between as possible.

Watching TV with your child can help them to differentiate between the programs and commercials. You can also explain the purpose of commercials, to lure people into buying things they don’t necessarily need. Watching TV with your child also means that they won’t get a chance to view something they’re not ready for.

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About the Author:

Eisla Sebastian is a writer for the Work category at Life123.com. Life123 is the place to start when you need practical expertise-fast. Read more of Eisla’s articles and more on the topic of Continuing Education http://www.life123.com/landing_BrowseVerticals/Browse-Topics_1205353400953.html?t1=Work&t2=Continuing+Education.

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November 4th, 2008 Play, Rhymes with baby Posted by Melitsa in Education, Good reads, language, play activities, Roundups, Thought of the week

Do you sing or clap with your baby?

My three month all has two avid singers as company…well three if you count me. My MO sings a version of “Twinkle Twinkle” on a loop that you recognize the tune but not the words. Whereas my BG likes to change songs he knows to include the name of his little brother for nearly every word. So you again recognize the tune but laugh at the words….well word.

These familiar songs calm the LO down when he’s crying and are almost always guaranteed to bring an ear to ear smile when he sees which brother is singing to him. 

Babies are interested in our voices. The BG is convinced the LO will start talking soon because he’s noticed that as he sings to him the LO seems like he’s joining in. He opens his mouth, vocalizes and waits his turn to join in the singing.

The older boys are having fun with this new game.Usually at the changing table but whenever his toes are available, maybe he dropped off a sock or well….it came off with a little help

Wiggle each toe in turn for each line.

Image : Orange girl photographs

” this little piggy goes to market

this little piggy stays at home

this little piggy had roast beef

this little piggy had none

and this little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home.”

Hear the tune.

“..wee wee wee all the way home” ends with a tickle up his leg, tummy, chest and stops at his neck/chin.

The BG has already started changing the rhyme piggy to baby and changing the places to local things for us or complete nonsense.

“..goes to market“  to goes to preschool or under the bed.

Another version we’ve heard recently

” This little rabbit went out hopping

this little rabbit stayed at home

This little rabbit ate some sweet green grass

This little rabbit ate none

And this little rabbit went

Hoppity, hoppity skip all the way home.”

Simple and easy play activities we can sometimes forget in our hurried lifestyle but crucial to language development. It fosters bonding especially for siblings but to parents as well. Try it next time you are changing your little one or fancy a cuddle. You’ll love the interaction- beats passive baby DVDs hands down for your little one.

Interesting links:

Lunchbox piggy

Origins of this nursery rhyme

Rebus version for older toddlers

What rhymes do you do ? Which ones make your baby squeal with delight? Share them here…Â

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