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Parenting

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Original poster

What do we think about no TV for under 3's?

96 replies

Lilliput · 23/04/2007 18:09

have a look at this here

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Pruni · 23/04/2007 18:52

Message withdrawn

FrannyandZooey · 23/04/2007 18:52

What is it Pruni?

DarrellRivers · 23/04/2007 18:53

what a talented DH you have pruni, did he come with his own USB port , or did he have to get it fitted?

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DarrellRivers · 23/04/2007 18:53

tell me more about the eye tv

gegs73 · 23/04/2007 18:54

But what is so damaging about TV? I really don't see the problem.

Yes watching it all day to the detriment of everything else is not good. Also letting children watch violent or un-suitable programmes is not good. But lots of TV aimed at under 3s is educational, teaches them things in an interesting way and gives them thoughts, ideas and fantasies they would not otherwise have. This can also be achieved through play but not in the same way. Why not give them a mix?

Also what about internet usage. Would you be happy for your ds/dd to use your computer? Also do you watch TV yourself?

fennel · 23/04/2007 18:55

We sometimes have a week without TV, when I feel the dds are getting too keen on it. We're about to embark on one after tonight. I find it quite scary how when there is no TC they move gradually onto being better at occupying themselves with other Improving and Educational Activities - board games, reading books, etc.

We definitely use our TV as a child tranquiliser - put it on, immobilise them, and get on with other things. I wish it wasn't so terribly useful, or I would get rid of it.

[conflicted emoticon ]

drosophila · 23/04/2007 18:57

I insist mine watch loads of TV cos I want then to work in TV when older

I had very little kids tv when growing up and was a voracious reader and a great watcher of black and white films. I always had my nose in a book, magazine or looking at TV. I did a personality test at work recently and it seems that people like me need lots of external stimulation as our brains can stagnate. External stimulation can be TV, books, talking, pondering, sport surfing the net and anything else you can think of.

I get edgy if not doing something and I think DS is like me.

FrannyandZooey · 23/04/2007 18:58

"What is so damaging about tv?"

this is quite a complex issue. You could try reading the book in question? There are many facets and I can't really sum it up in a few words. However, tv is not good for children, mentally, physically, and socially.

In answer to yout other questions: ds goes on the computer about once a fortnight, about as often as he asks to, and we might look at a website together for 10 mins or so. I don't watch tv myself, no. But tv is more detrimental to children than it is to adults.

fennel · 23/04/2007 19:00

I think TV turns them, temporarily, into zombies. It's like an off-switch on their life.
Which is why it's so terribly useful.

Also, the more it's on, the less they get used to thinking abouut what to do to entertain themselves.

drosophila · 23/04/2007 19:03

Intersting how on the net Aric Sigman's profile lists him as a broadcaster.

DO you think he has children?

Pruni · 23/04/2007 19:03

Message withdrawn

gegs73 · 23/04/2007 19:06

I studied psychology at University so know alot about studies showing TV to be both harmful or non harmful to children.

Research/statistics can be used to prove any argument. Final judgement should be based on as complete an analysis as possible of many relevant studies to prove an argument one way or another.

It is my theory that TV viewing by children and the effects it has on them is in-conclusive. Other than the effects violent/un-suitable TV has on them - this has consistently been shown to have adverse effects. Therefore everyone should make their own judgement bearing in mind that there will be a number of studies showing the exact opposite to Dr Aric Sigman's findings(obv not controversial enough to warrant an AOL article). Which also btw he was probably paid to find even before he had conclusive results!

Pruni · 23/04/2007 19:06

Message withdrawn

Greensleeves · 23/04/2007 19:07

inconclusive does not have a hyphen. It is one word.

Greensleeves · 23/04/2007 19:07

same goes for unsuitable

gegs73 · 23/04/2007 19:09

Never said I studied English

Greensleeves · 23/04/2007 19:12

I didn't either, it's just that it's my first language

gegs73 · 23/04/2007 19:13

hahha

PrincessPeaHead · 23/04/2007 19:15

mine never really watch any telly until about 3 anyway
well maybe 2 3/4s
they aren't interested until then
mind you I don't exactly introduce it to them

two year olds just aren't interested in tv are they?

DarrellRivers · 23/04/2007 19:18

well, DH, if had enough cash to do so, would fit an enormous widescreen TV in every room so although i love the sound of downsizing to the eye/i-TV i don't think he will go for it. Althogh perhaps if it is mac/apple based i could persuade him as he does love all apple based products.
Obviously TV watching is a spectrum but I tend to feel that most people and children in particular benefit from watching a little rather than a lot.
I have tried cutting out successfully all soaps, all rubbish reality TV and only watch a few C4 dramas now , although i suspect my addiction has been replaced by MN.
I do find an hour watching a good drama much more relaxing than internetting however

Original poster

Lilliput · 23/04/2007 19:27

It boils down to everything in moderation yet again. Same with sweets, high fat food, computer time etc. Informed choice is what life should be based on especially when raising children.
I let my 4 year dd watch TV, she loves it and always has but there is no way I would let her have a TV in her room. That is the boundary in our house. 2 Year old ds watches a little TV but isn't too bothered.

OP posts:

aviatrix · 23/04/2007 19:32

This reply has been deleted

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Londonmamma · 23/04/2007 20:08

With little kids I find that what goes in also comes out, so you might get some peace while thet're watching, but then they act out what they've watched (boys esp.) and it can be in a bit of a manic way. They also keep repeating jingles/catchphrases and their entire conversation revolves around what they've watched. That's the bit that drives me nuts! They also tend to be twitchy and not sure what to do with themselves. I really notice the difference in mine when they stay with grandparents who let them watch as much as they want. I find the kids much more difficult to manage then than when they haven't spent much time in front of a screen.

SherlockLGJ · 23/04/2007 20:12

DS did not have TV until he had just turned two. The only reason he ended up getting it was............. We came home, I deposited him on the floor in the garden room, I went off to make him some lunch. It went very very quiet.....................I caught him trying to climb out a semi open window.

I turned the TV on parked him and went back to doing his lunch.

PrincessPeaHead · 23/04/2007 20:14

lol aviatrix

someone is probably conducting a 26 year long study on the effects of long term exposure to the Archers theme tune

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