Edutainment for toddlers and babies bad or benificial

[jessica_4482]

I have noticed that now there are so many programs on tv for young children to watch. They all have one thing in common and that is they are educational. There is even a cable channel that has dedicated itself to broadcasting developemental shows for toddlers and babies. As good as these people say these programs are pediatricians agree that young babies (under 6 months) should not watch tv, older babies can watch up to 15 minutes and toddlers no more than 30 minutes a day. But then you go to places that sell things like Baby Einstien which have the age its good for printed right on the front and some say from birth to 3 years. There are some people who find tv damaging to a child and others disagree. What do you guys think?

[pricklesnquills]

I think tv for babies is somewhat nonsense. For toddlers, it is ok in moderation.

[Loves2LoveChins]

Perhaps its the way I was raised but I really don't think TV is beneficial to young children. I think it is much better for them to be playing outside with family or friends and experiencing life, not watching someone experience life for them. I can understand that the push for these educational shows are to learn principles, but why aren't the parents or elders responsible for the child unable to teach these concepts themselves? I think far too often people use the TV as a tool to take a break from their children and treat it like a babysitter. I can understand how it can make life easier as there are times parents need a break. I just think there are other alternatives out there. People managed to survive for many many years without putting the kids in front of a TV, why must it be so necessary now?

[jessica_4482]

I agree Loves2loveChins. Have you noticed also that there are no longer programs for kids that are just entertaining? They are all geared for learning now, just subjects on life skills, colors, numbers, letters etc. However TV for toddlers to me isn't a good thing they start learning to talk in early toddlerhood so they need opportunities to practice. TV watching doesn't allow for much coversation in general

[HedgeMom]

Children exposed to edutainment grow up and have the attention span of a gnat when their real life teacher doesn't move as fast or have as many exciting color changes, bells, whistles, etc as they come to expect from TV.

They're 'bored' because they've never learned to sit quietly and focus on the object at hand.

You want an early childhood education for your child? Sit down at a table with paper and pencil and a book and teach them how to write their numbers or their letters. Teach them colors or counting. Teach them to tie their own shoes, to respect books and to sit quietly when read to.

And do it all without tv, dvds or video games. Play board games with them instead of parking them in front of a tv.

[KrptcMschfMkr128]

I agree with Nancy. And if you need a break from the kids, that's what naptime is for.... Also, if you need something to do with your baby/toddler while making dinner... Put them in a playpen with some educational toys, or give them to another family member to amuse.

[starleomach]

Kids watch too much TV why teach them at a very young age that it is acceptable, people need to spend time with their kids, take them to the park not plop them in front of the TV

[mmartinez1987]

I think Edutainment has become the new babysitter. It keeps the baby and toddler busy while mommy or daddy are busy doing something else. Its also become the substitute teacher. I dont understand why parents cant teach their children what they need to learn. Rathe than have a television teach the children.
What Edutainmentteaches is that learning is SUPPOSE to be fun. But when it comes down to it.. Learning is not always fun. It can be but not always. I feel it set the children up for a disappointing failure. They arent learning the discipline needed to work hard later on in life.

[Loves2LoveChins]

I think many times parents forget to teach their children to "entertain themselves". While it is important to have supervision it does not mean that you have to be playing WITH them to make sure they are safe. Toys that encourage independent exploration such as blocks or other sensorial activities are a great way to keep your child busy. TV is indeed not needed.

*I wanted to add I also prefer toys that do not have all those flashing lights bells ans whistles so to speak. I prefer more natural toys, things that incorporate natural consequences. I am not a fan of plastic toys for the most part. I think at times they can come in handy but I will always choose items made from natural wood above them.

[Meredith]

The last I read it was reccomended that young children not watch any more than 3 hours of television per day and the tube needs to be turned off at least an hour before bed. I think there's a healthy balance to everything and it's up to parents to make the best decisions for their children.

That being said, the majority of the children's shows on TV these days look absolutely horrible. Catch a few minutes here and there and you feel dumber just for listening.

In our house we stick to a basic few:

Sesame Street for all the alphabet and counting emphasis, plus what 2 year old doesn't love Elmo's World?

Blue's Clues for the singing and problem solving, and then Thomas the Tank Engine because anything to do with trains is just a huge hit with our little boy.

However, he'll just as easily run off to his bedroom to play quietly by himself and doesn't ever "crave" television. He's not even two and he can name every letter of the alphabet as he does his wooden ABC puzzle.

It's fun to see when he recognizes letters, numbers, shapes, and colors on the shows he does watch. I think it reinforces what he's learned but I know it's not where he learned those things. I'm his #1 teacher and I love the job :D

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i47/Meredith910/jacob_abcs.jpg
Jacob doing his ABC's