In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that parents not let children younger than 2 watch TV. Multiple research studies have shown that a critical window of opportunity for brain growth takes place during a child’s first three years.

“Children learn from the time of birth. If there is a program with quality music and ideas and colorful images, and a parent watches and interacts with the child, then it can be a positive experience,” says Dr. Janet Squires, chief of pediatrics at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. “For young children, the ‘harm’ can come when parents use television as a substitute for human interaction. As children get older, unsupervised access to TV allows children to view topics inappropriate for their age. Finally, excessive TV time is linked to childhood obesity and the lack of normal childhood exercise.”

Parents should know the content of TV shows that children watch, since learning about the subject makes it easier for parents to make decisions on TV viewing. Information can be found on the Internet and in local libraries. Organizations such as The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media (www.cqcm.org) and PBS guides can help adults pick out appropriate programming options.

“Parents should reach out to their pediatricians for advice on television viewing,” adds Dr. Squires. “They should also talk to the parents of their children’s friends to work out common approaches for dealing with the TV issue.”

TV time can be good – if you follow these simple rules:

	Limit daily television viewing. Children need varied activities.
	Watch television with your child. Studies show television helps most when parents watch with children.
	Participate with your child. Sing and repeat rhymes during the program. Participating shows your child you’re interested.
	Talk about what you’ve watched. Discuss positive and negative behaviors or actions.
	Do follow-up activities. Repeating activities and songs after the show reinforces the concepts presented.