How much television is enough?

Title: Children's Television Pros & Cons

There's been talk of the benefits and dangers of children
watching television virtually since the medium's beginnings in
the late 1940s. Parents wishing to allow their children to enjoy
television's virtually limitless power to educate and entertain
just as often find themselves taken aback by mature themes and
subject matter. For decades, public television and certain
child-friendly cable networks offered safe harbor from
conventional television programming, though in recent years the
educational value of some of its programming has fallen under
criticism, too. The accusations stem from a belief that
so-called educational programming has compromised its standards
for the sake of competing with mainstream television
entertainment. If these programs become more commercial, the
argument states, where can parents find trustworthy programming
for their children?

The discussion regarding the quality of children's television in
many ways obscures the larger issues of how much time children
should spend watching television and what kinds of television
should be made available to them. Child development experts
caution that smaller children (aged two and up) be allowed no
more than two hours of television per day. Children younger than
two years old, they say, should be allowed no television at all.

Some studies point to increased language development among
children with access to television, however. The interaction
between characters, these studies suggest, allow children a
firmer grasp of the uses of language and an appreciation for how
conversational skills develop and take shape.

Nevertheless, the dangers of too much television consumption -
obesity from a weakened metabolism, lackluster reading and
comprehension skills, and diminished motor reflexes - would seem
to outweigh the benefits. The individual parent should decide
what's best for their child.

Parents wishing to avoid "television addiction" in their
children should take steps to limit the child's access to the
family's set early on, and maintain the restricted viewing with
both consistency and self-discipline. Experts advise keeping the
television not in the family's main room but in an
out-of-the-way part of the house, such as the basement rec room
or upstairs guest bedroom. While this may put a hamper on
parent's accessibility to enjoy the programming, the time
available for family bonding and interaction will grow
proportionately.

Experts also caution parents to make their child's television
viewing specific to a certain program, and refrain from allowing
the TV to run as "background noise" in the family room or during
family time. Parents should also watch the programs with the
children, to make sure they understand its content and to answer
questions the children might have. Recording programs, so that
parents can pause to discuss, is also a way to increase
understanding.

About the author:
Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for
www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Stop by for parenting and
godparenting resources, unique baby gifts, shower favors and
baby shower supplies.

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