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Limit your toddlers TV time, it’s important

Television, computers or other sources of audio-visual screen media has proved beneficial in increasing a child’s knowledge. But, too much of screen-time spent by a child in his everyday routine can turn extremely harmful and unhealthy for his mental and physical growth, especially when the discussion balls down to the toddlers. Being a colorful and attractive source of entertainment, television and computers act as a magnet to attract these little souls who get carried away by the glitz and glamor of television viewing. Parents these days hardly spend quality time with their children, leaving them adhered to the television most of the time or at the mercy of computers and video games. Being an easy source of killing boredom and seeking company, children, right from the early ages of their life, get addicted to spending hours glued to these.

Toddler screen time on the rise

Constant study and research conducted in some parts of America has brought some shocking and nerve-wrecking results which are not only difficult to digest, but are enough to get those alarm bells ringing for all of us. One such study reveals that in San Francisco, kids aged under the age of 8 years spend double the time in watching T.V. than what they do for reading or any other such activity. According to a new national study, 40% of the toddlers between the age group of 2 to 4 years and 50% of those aged 5 to 8 years have accessibility to smart phones, i-pods and other technological devices. These unbelievable results are an outcome of a National Study by Common Sense Media ‘Zero to Eight’ which has been launched and assigned to trace out screen time spent by the children. In addition to this, the American Academy of Pediatrics have suggested that there should be absolutely no screen time allotted to children under 2 years of age, instead personal interactions with them should be instigated for their proper development and growth. In case of children above 2 years of age, they should be allowed to spend only 1 to 2 hours everyday in front of the television or computer, encouraging viewing of only quality programmes.

Too much TV watching bad for toddlers

The media-dominated and computer-oriented age has led to our toddlers getting addicted to tube watching right from their tender age. Where restricted and monitored television viewing can help in educating and entertaining them, too much of it can result in hindering their growth, thereby restricting their I.Q development and physical growth as well. It results in making them lethargic and inculcating a laid back attitude. Moreover, if we talk about video games and computers, too much of playtime devoted on them deviate the child from involving in physical outdoor games and activities which are required for their overall progress. Hence, a limited time should be given to screen watching and rest of the leisure time should be made fruitful by engaging children in other activities and interests like puzzles, toys, board games and so on.

Limiting screen time for children

Making screen time productive and educative by regular monitoring and limiting it to specific time span can protect your child from its harmful effects. Lets take a look at how this can be induced right from the initial stages.

1. Limiting hours of screen time

Television time or video game timings can be limited not just by verbally restricting children and banning them from involving in it but by giving them options for deviation towards other activities like encouraging and indulging with them in playing board games, stocking the living room with books, kids magazines, puzzles and toys of their interest. In no way should a television or computer be installed in a kids bedroom. Also, children should not be given the liberty of watching television during meals or while doing their homework. The best way would be to make it a privilege for them to earn on completion of their daily errands including their homework, rather than making it their right which they are entitled to.

2. Try a weekday ban

A nice way of checking on kids screen time would be to restricting them during weekdays when they are tied-up with other pressures and recording their favorite weekday shows for a family viewing during the weekends. This even induces family values and encourages children to cherish family togetherness.

3. Set a good example

You can restrict your child from watching television incessantly only if you yourself refrain from doing so. Set a good example in front of your kids by limiting and restricting yourself from T.V. viewing and spending quality time with them.

4. Check T.V. listings and utilize the ratings

Before letting your child watch a particular program or show, study the review of the same and be rest assured that it is appropriate, healthy and developmental for your child’s growth. Also, use the age group rating tools which appear in newspapers and also on the television screen prior to the program. Do check on the age group, if it is authenticated for your toddlers and little ones to watch it or not.

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