Your Only Child

In light of all the talk about Baby Einstein and refunds, the kids and TV debate has been resurrected. 

Here's a link to an interesting article from this week's Los Angeles Times on the topic:  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-kids-tv27-2009oct27,0,2531927.story

From the article:

More than an entire day -- that's how long children sit in front of the television in an average week, according to new findings released Monday by Nielsen.

The amount of television usage by children reached an eight-year high, with kids ages 2 to 5 watching the screen for more than 32 hours a week on average and those ages 6 to 11 watching more than 28 hours. The analysis, based on the fourth quarter of 2008, measured children's consumption of live and recorded TV, as well as VCR and game console usage.

"They're using all the technology available in their households," said Patricia McDonough, Nielsen's senior vice president of insights, analysis and policy.

"They're using the DVD, they're on the Internet. They're not giving up any media -- they're just picking up more."

How much TV time, if any, do you allow for your children?  When did they start watching TV?  Do you place any restrictions on television?

Pregnancy & Parenting Message Boards |  About Our Boards
Customer Support |  Tech Update |  Contact Me

Victoria (9) probably watches 2 hours on a normal day.  She might watch more or less depending if there is something  special on or if she is watching a DVD or playing on the computer.  The problem with TV is that it is something she can do on her own.  Lots of other activities (like crafts or games) she wants me to do with her and I just don't have the time.  She goes out a lot to activities so has less time at home and sometimes  we  watch something specific as a family.

We are currently debating wheter to buy a Wii.  She really wants one but we just don't see when she would find the time to play with it and we certainly don't have the time as her parents to play with it with her.

I don't live in the US but in the UK too much TV watching by childen is also seen as an issue to the detriment of reading. traditional activities and sport.

She was about 4 when we got a children's TV channel.  She watched less before then.  She doesn't have a TV in her room.

.