Every tried googling this question? Don't! The results will horrify you.
The internet is awash with horror stories about television. Today we've read it can make you overweight, lower your congnitive functions later in life, and even kill you. Scary stuff eh?
Modern day parents spend so much time worrying about whether they are "getting it right" when it comes to raising kids. But on the other hand, aren't we all guilty of plonking the kids in front of the television to free up time to get chores time, or just gran twenty minutes to yourself?
So what's the best advice when it comes to television and how much is too much?
Take the American statistics, which state that children in the US spend up to 6 hours per day watching television or some other form of screen (such as computer games). At the other end of the scale. some paediatricians recommend children under the age of 2 years old don't watch any television - that's right - none at all. Which could leave you feeling you've already made a huge mistake.
If your kids are spending the bulk of their down time sitting watching the screen, then could some of this time be put to better use? Like extra family time, getting outdoors, taking up a new hobby or craft, or reading a book?
What are they watching? Violence on television is commonplace these days, and can make kids less sensitive to the terror of violence. TV characters often dept and enforce gender roles and racial stereotypes which can be unhealthy.
So what's our advice? Make "quality over quantity" your motto when it comes to monitoring TV viewing at your place. Set aside time to watching programmes they love, alongside educational programming that could help with their schoolwork or general learning. And once their favourite show is finished? Switch off and encourage them to go and do something else.
Spring is nearly here - so make the most of the warmer weather and get outdoors. Have fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment