Is Television Sapping Away Your Child"s Creativity?
"Most kids plug into the world of television long before they enter school.
" - Kaiser Family Foundation The revolutionary invention called the television, has ignited a new debate about just how much television viewing is permissible for children with the reasoning that it saps away a child's creativity.
Opinions are divided with some experts advocating zero television for children and some advising moderate usage.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 years should watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.
The first two years in a child's life are absolutely critical for development and television can act as a deterrent for exploration, play and interaction.
Too much television can lead to early obesity and the couch potato syndrome can set early on in life.
The idiot box never fails to engage, distract and entertain, especially in trying circumstances like baby feeding as well as keeping kids occupied.
The fact that this is a wrong approach is quite evident.
Let's face it; television has limited educational value as kids won't really prefer to watch what's happening on the History Channel or the latest buzz on Nat Geo.
So while it is clear that too much television watching - saps a child's creativity.
It comes down to parents putting down a few rules in place.
So as parents we could: (1) Be selective about what you want your child to view on television.
Choose the channels and programmes as per your kid's age.
(2) Inculcate positive habits like reading and interaction with others.
Read with your child and develop the reading habit at an early age.
Books over the visual media any day! (3) Encourage kids to play with toys.
LEGO's and other building blocks are a great way to ignite your child's imagination and creativity.
Toys are essential for the early development and growth of children.
They help develop certain important skills.
Make time to play with your kids.
(4) Get your kids interested in outdoor activities.
Spend your weekends playing with kids in the garden or go out camping.
This will keep your kids engaged and make them physically strong.
(5) Limit your viewing time.
Spending time with your kids would be so much more fun as compared to the idiot box.
Don't you think so? Lastly, remember television should not be completely banned.
It is good when viewed in moderation.
It helps kids to learn about nature, art, sport, current affairs and science.
Monitoring the content of television, although difficult is essential.
" - Kaiser Family Foundation The revolutionary invention called the television, has ignited a new debate about just how much television viewing is permissible for children with the reasoning that it saps away a child's creativity.
Opinions are divided with some experts advocating zero television for children and some advising moderate usage.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 years should watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.
The first two years in a child's life are absolutely critical for development and television can act as a deterrent for exploration, play and interaction.
Too much television can lead to early obesity and the couch potato syndrome can set early on in life.
The idiot box never fails to engage, distract and entertain, especially in trying circumstances like baby feeding as well as keeping kids occupied.
The fact that this is a wrong approach is quite evident.
Let's face it; television has limited educational value as kids won't really prefer to watch what's happening on the History Channel or the latest buzz on Nat Geo.
So while it is clear that too much television watching - saps a child's creativity.
It comes down to parents putting down a few rules in place.
So as parents we could: (1) Be selective about what you want your child to view on television.
Choose the channels and programmes as per your kid's age.
(2) Inculcate positive habits like reading and interaction with others.
Read with your child and develop the reading habit at an early age.
Books over the visual media any day! (3) Encourage kids to play with toys.
LEGO's and other building blocks are a great way to ignite your child's imagination and creativity.
Toys are essential for the early development and growth of children.
They help develop certain important skills.
Make time to play with your kids.
(4) Get your kids interested in outdoor activities.
Spend your weekends playing with kids in the garden or go out camping.
This will keep your kids engaged and make them physically strong.
(5) Limit your viewing time.
Spending time with your kids would be so much more fun as compared to the idiot box.
Don't you think so? Lastly, remember television should not be completely banned.
It is good when viewed in moderation.
It helps kids to learn about nature, art, sport, current affairs and science.
Monitoring the content of television, although difficult is essential.
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