So talk to me about tv....

kmm2150 · June 2012

It's bad, but we are those people who pretty much have the tv on all the time when we're home. DD is 5 months and it definitely gets her attention, but at this point I know it's mostly just color and light and motion, not like she's actually "watching" a show or something. Still, I know it's not good on many levels to expose LOs to too much tv - do we need to stop? Is it ok for awhile, before she's old enough to veg out to Elmo? I appreciate any input!

dizzycooks · June 2012

TV is TV. The images, flashing and screen are the issue as much as the content. We notice a COMPLETE change in our daughter's behavior if the TV is on. She just about stops moving! My mom didn't think having it on was a big deal if she was faced away, but noticed that my LO will twist and turn and try everything to get to watch it and then she stops moving. Turn the TV off and she is back to her squirmy, wormy self cooing and talking. I would highly encourage you to keep her in another room if you are going to have the TV on, then you can listen or maybe see it from a distance.

Eveamlizya · June 2012

When DD is screaming at the top of her lungs and I can do nothing to calm her...I turn the TV on a really colorful cartoon with fun sounds, set her in her rock-n-play for a minute and take a breather...as soon as she realizes the lights and colors...she calms down. I personally don't think it's an issue yet...as long as she's not too close to the screen. If she's too close she does sort of zone everything else out, but I'll pull her away a little more and she's still occupied without being veggie. She's a TV watcher like me I guess and that's ok...TV can be really educational with the right content so I wouldn't worry too much about it. I already record some shows like I like and watch them...i had to delete Ratatouille from the DVR the other day because there was a sexual innuendo in one of the commercials and I sooo didn't like that so I just bought the DVD.

Redsoxchick · June 2012

kmm2150:
It's bad, but we are those people who pretty much have the tv on all the time when we're home. DD is 5 months and it definitely gets her attention, but at this point I know it's mostly just color and light and motion, not like she's actually "watching" a show or something. Still, I know it's not good on many levels to expose LOs to too much tv - do we need to stop? Is it ok for awhile, before she's old enough to veg out to Elmo? I appreciate any input!

We always have TV on too and I honestly don't think it's a big deal. Yes it catches DS'a attention but it's just colors like his flashing toys and it doesn't catch his attention for long, he'd rather play with a toy. When he's older, I'll limit his TV but right now, it's not a big deal in my opinion

dizzycooks · June 2012

Redsoxchick:
kmm2150:
It's bad, but we are those people who pretty much have the tv on all the time when we're home. DD is 5 months and it definitely gets her attention, but at this point I know it's mostly just color and light and motion, not like she's actually "watching" a show or something. Still, I know it's not good on many levels to expose LOs to too much tv - do we need to stop? Is it ok for awhile, before she's old enough to veg out to Elmo? I appreciate any input!
We always have TV on too and I honestly don't think it's a big deal. Yes it catches DS'a attention but it's just colors like his flashing toys and it doesn't catch his attention for long, he'd rather play with a toy. When he's older, I'll limit his TV but right now, it's not a big deal in my opinion

Without being snarky (I promise!!), when does it become a big deal? When do you know it's time to decide to turn it off when he's around?

Redsoxchick · June 2012

dizzykates:
Redsoxchick:
kmm2150:
It's bad, but we are those people who pretty much have the tv on all the time when we're home. DD is 5 months and it definitely gets her attention, but at this point I know it's mostly just color and light and motion, not like she's actually "watching" a show or something. Still, I know it's not good on many levels to expose LOs to too much tv - do we need to stop? Is it ok for awhile, before she's old enough to veg out to Elmo? I appreciate any input!
We always have TV on too and I honestly don't think it's a big deal. Yes it catches DS'a attention but it's just colors like his flashing toys and it doesn't catch his attention for long, he'd rather play with a toy. When he's older, I'll limit his TV but right now, it's not a big deal in my opinion
Without being snarky (I promise!!), when does it become a big deal? When do you know it's time to decide to turn it off when he's around?

I'm honestly not sure, I don't have a set age in my head but once he starts understanding what is going on on TV, then ill limit it and I'll let him watch a few educational shows. Right now he doesn't " watch shows" he just catches glimpses here and there

KBratt1 · June 2012

In my house if we are awake the tv is on...my 2yr old watches Law & Order with me! I don't think it is a problem at all, ever. My 2yr old points out babies on tv, & other kids, runs up to try & kiss the screen. & my 4month old is usually laying in front of it too, in the bouncer, swing or his play mat...If something ever comes up in conversation with her that is inappropriate (when she starts talking) I think that is the perfect opportunity to explain to her that is it inappropriate & why so that she knows. Everyone is different & we all have different parenting types- I am more laid back & relaxed. So if you don't think there is anything wrong with baby watching tv then leave it on, if you feel guilty then turn it off for a while & listen to some music instead!

heymommy · June 2012

It's not a big deal now at this age w/ my LO. She might catch a few minutes here and there.

In the future you can always take tv away if it becomes a problem. I unplugged my tv one night when my kids were 6 and 3 because they were so addicted. The next morning it would not turn on and I played dumb and said, " it must be broken". We did not turn on the TV for 18 months!! There was a defiantly a withdrawal period ( the 3 year old was walking in circles the first day) . After they got back to normal they played all the time, it was great.

The three year old ( now 8) started watching lots of tv around 13 months. She watched it a lot, I worked at home and it was my babysitter I guess. She was hooked. It has not seemed to affect her cognitive development, she is very smart, 10th grade level in some subjects, 8th grade reading level, started K-5 a year early. So the theory that it makes them dumb may not be true.

Now they are 8 and 11, we have TV but no cable or satellite just the old stuff on netflix, we don't even rent movies. Every once and a while the'll get hooked on a show and watch episodes back to back for a few weeks but then they won't watch anything fro months. We do not have all the nick, Nick Jr, disney, play house disney, noggin etc. I do not miss it. My new baby will not have any of that and I am so glad!

meg_2006 · June 2012

Redsoxchick:
dizzykates:
Redsoxchick:
kmm2150:
It's bad, but we are those people who pretty much have the tv on all the time when we're home. DD is 5 months and it definitely gets her attention, but at this point I know it's mostly just color and light and motion, not like she's actually "watching" a show or something. Still, I know it's not good on many levels to expose LOs to too much tv - do we need to stop? Is it ok for awhile, before she's old enough to veg out to Elmo? I appreciate any input!
We always have TV on too and I honestly don't think it's a big deal. Yes it catches DS'a attention but it's just colors like his flashing toys and it doesn't catch his attention for long, he'd rather play with a toy. When he's older, I'll limit his TV but right now, it's not a big deal in my opinion
Without being snarky (I promise!!), when does it become a big deal? When do you know it's time to decide to turn it off when he's around?
I'm honestly not sure, I don't have a set age in my head but once he starts understanding what is going on on TV, then ill limit it and I'll let him watch a few educational shows. Right now he doesn't " watch shows" he just catches glimpses here and there

I've been thinking about this a lot, since we're TV people too. Even if not watching, it's on in the background. I think when LO doesn't to do anything else but watch TV, then it's time to turn it off (or limit it). Right now LO is just as happy to play with his stuffed moose or my hand as he is to watch the pretty lights of the TV screen. When he'd rather watch the TV than be creative and entertain himself, then there's a problem.

Leiafall · June 2012

So far a mixture of TV and my son playing with his toys is the only way I can clean bottles and have a clean room. He doesnt watch it 100% but enough to move around. I tried everythng before tv. My son hates sitting by himself tv is the only thing that works. I tried his swing, bouncer, activity center nothing keeps his attention long enough to get things done so tv it is. To be honest me and his dad are not fond of it but I need a break as im the stay at home mom. I do notice he does pay more attention to it as he gets older so I'll start keeping it off more.

skibunny59 · June 2012

I stopped watching tv during the day and when I do need something on, I just put in a Disney DVD. I don't sit DD down and have her watch it but it is on in the background and I usually have it on when I'm sitting on the couch nursing her. DH watches way more tv then I do. I usually hand her off to DH when he gets home from work and when I need a break. He likes to sit with her on the couch and have the tv on. I don't think it's a huge deal right now but I have asked him to make sure whatever he has on is appropriate for her. We definitely don't want her to be a couch potato and we will definitely limit her tv as she gets older.

phillyfan929 · June 2012

I'm a science nerd so I love to watch all the nature shows, shows about the universe, seas, etc and DS loves the lights and colors of those shows. I really try to limit how much he stares at it though. But when he's with DH it's a different story

Justnooch · June 2012

The AAP recommends that children under two not be exposed to TV. This is not because of content. It doesn't matter what you are watching. If your child is watching TV on regular basis, their brain will actually develop differently. Their brains are not meant to process those kinds of moving images and lights.

From the book Bright from the Start:

"For every hour of tv viewed before the age 3 a child is 10% more likely to show ADHD symptoms at age seven." This study doesn't show cause and effect but there could be an association. Even if you "turned out ok" why put your kid at risk? There are other ways to calm a baby. Try looking out a window!

kmm2150 · June 2012

Justnooch:

The AAP recommends that children under two not be exposed to TV. This is not because of content. It doesn't matter what you are watching. If your child is watching TV on regular basis, their brain will actually develop differently. Their brains are not meant to process those kinds of moving images and lights.

From the book Bright from the Start:

"For every hour of tv viewed before the age 3 a child is 10% more likely to show ADHD symptoms at age seven." This study doesn't show cause and effect but there could be an association. Even if you "turned out ok" why put your kid at risk? There are other ways to calm a baby. Try looking out a window!

This is kind of what I was thinking, but hadn't really done any research on it (and, maybe, was convincing myself a little that us having it on in the background is no-big-deal). I will bring this up with DH and we'll start trying to have tv-free evenings, and just save whatever shows we want for after she goes to bed.

HollyBee013 · June 2012

DH ALWAYS has the tv on, so when LO got here, I have been trying to curb the habit. We are both in agreement to not have LO in front of the tv till after she is about 2 if we can help it. Like other posters, LO stops moving and doing things if she hears/sees the tv! Turn it off!!

eyenigh · June 2012

Justnooch:
The AAP recommends that children under two not be exposed to TV. This is not because of content. It doesn't matter what you are watching. If your child is watching TV on regular basis, their brain will actually develop differently. Their brains are not meant to process those kinds of moving images and lights.
From the book Bright from the Start:
"For every hour of tv viewed before the age 3 a child is 10% more likely to show ADHD symptoms at age seven." This study doesn't show cause and effect but there could be an association. Even if you "turned out ok" why put your kid at risk? There are other ways to calm a baby. Try looking out a window!

From that logic, if a kid watches 10 hours of television by the time he's 3, he's 100% likely to have ADHD symptoms. I'm too lazy to do that the exact math, but that works out to right around 35 seconds per day over the course of that three years.

I do not argue that tv should not be a babysitter, but I seriously question the validity of that study.

Redsoxchick · June 2012

eyenigh:
Justnooch:
The AAP recommends that children under two not be exposed to TV. This is not because of content. It doesn't matter what you are watching. If your child is watching TV on regular basis, their brain will actually develop differently. Their brains are not meant to process those kinds of moving images and lights.
From the book Bright from the Start:
"For every hour of tv viewed before the age 3 a child is 10% more likely to show ADHD symptoms at age seven." This study doesn't show cause and effect but there could be an association. Even if you "turned out ok" why put your kid at risk? There are other ways to calm a baby. Try looking out a window!
From that logic, if a kid watches 10 hours of television by the time he's 3, he's 100% likely to have ADHD symptoms. I'm too lazy to do that the exact math, but that works out to right around 35 seconds per day over the course of that three years.
I do not argue that tv should not be a babysitter, but I seriously question the validity of that study.

I agree with this 1000%, I absolutely question this study!

Justnooch · June 2012

Sorry, I copied the quote wrong. For every hour watched PER DAY it increases the chance by 10%. So if your child watches an hour of TV a day before the age of three he will be 10% more likely to show ADHD symptoms.

tartaruga · June 2012

KBratt1:
In my house if we are awake the tv is on...my 2yr old watches Law & Order with me! I don't think it is a problem at all, ever. My 2yr old points out babies on tv, & other kids, runs up to try & kiss the screen. & my 4month old is usually laying in front of it too, in the bouncer, swing or his play mat...If something ever comes up in conversation with her that is inappropriate (when she starts talking) I think that is the perfect opportunity to explain to her that is it inappropriate & why so that she knows. Everyone is different & we all have different parenting types- I am more laid back & relaxed. So if you don't think there is anything wrong with baby watching tv then leave it on, if you feel guilty then turn it off for a while & listen to some music instead!

How do you explain the dead bodies to a 2 year old???

I love Law & Order but I don't think I'd watch it with my kids lol.

tartaruga · June 2012

The reason TV is bad for babies is not because of the content - it's because the flashing lights and sounds are far more stimulating than anything in 'real life'. So when they watch TV for a while, then real life, like a toy or rattle, is boring and not stimulating anymore. They require more flashing lights and fast-paced stuff to keep them entertained. It literally wires their brain that way, to require that kind of stimulation to keep them interested in anything.

wychets · June 2012

Redsoxchick:
kmm2150:
It's bad, but we are those people who pretty much have the tv on all the time when we're home. DD is 5 months and it definitely gets her attention, but at this point I know it's mostly just color and light and motion, not like she's actually "watching" a show or something. Still, I know it's not good on many levels to expose LOs to too much tv - do we need to stop? Is it ok for awhile, before she's old enough to veg out to Elmo? I appreciate any input!
We always have TV on too and I honestly don't think it's a big deal. Yes it catches DS'a attention but it's just colors like his flashing toys and it doesn't catch his attention for long, he'd rather play with a toy. When he's older, I'll limit his TV but right now, it's not a big deal in my opinion

This!

bexram · June 2012

tartaruga:
The reason TV is bad for babies is not because of the content - it's because the flashing lights and sounds are far more stimulating than anything in 'real life'. So when they watch TV for a while, then real life, like a toy or rattle, is boring and not stimulating anymore. They require more flashing lights and fast-paced stuff to keep them entertained. It literally wires their brain that way, to require that kind of stimulation to keep them interested in anything.

yep. and like PP said the AAP recommends no TV till 2 bc increased risk for ADD/ ADHD. I know sometimes his babysitters (my mom and aunt) let him watch TV when he's over at their houses. I figure I'm not gonna be a huge stickler about it but I'm not gonna let him watch it at home with me.

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