It buys time to make dinner, but it can take over our toddler’s day if we aren’t careful. TV watching is an easy trap, but we can kick the habit and find meaningful ways to occupy our children.
It seems impossible to fill a toddler’s day, but we can grow bright and busy toddlers without “plugging them in.” A 2010 University of Quebec study reported that 2 ½ yr. olds who watched TV have increased risks of health and learning issues. Additional hours of viewing directly corresponded with decreases in engagement and comprehension. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages limits of 1 to 2 hours for children older than two, but recommends none for children under 2. Realistically, what’s a busy mom to do? With a few simple principles, we can tame the TV in our toddler’s life.
Inspiration ~ More than animation or visual effects, a mother provides inspiration for a child’s imagination and hunger for activity. While coordination blossoms in a toddler’s body, invitations to experiment and grow are exhilarating; encouragement nurtures a child’s spirit as they shape their desire for independence. Inspiration to be active feeds the mind, instead of dulling the senses. A toddler’s attention span forces moms to become masters of activity management. Variety is more important than complexity.
- Offering age appropriate art supplies and examples stimulates creativity.
- Household jobs like sorting laundry, wiping dishes, and washing vegetables nurtures responsibility.
- Literature rich environments with books and expressive reading build reading readiness.
Initiation ~ Ideas move ahead of physical ability and can become overwhelming for a toddler.
- Make simple suggestions to provide direction for discovery.
- Be available to give guidance to overcome toddler obstacles.
Mothers open the world to little ones with permission to attempt new tasks, explore the world, and join in family life. It may mean setting aside work or turning our attention, but initiating new activities may be the step a toddler needs to engage in their own world, instead of just viewing it.
Imitate ~ When toddlers are inspired to be active and try new experiences, imitation is the resource they need to grow. Children imprint scenes of creativity, hard work, spiritual disciplines, and relationships on their hearts and minds. Watching us instead of animated characters on screen, they learn our values. We provide a framework for what days look like, along with habits and expectations related to television. We may model productivity, balance, or mastery by the tyrant of technology.
- Provide child sized versions of adult tasks to practice.
- Make real life objects available to try the things of life.
- Give toddlers a front row seat to watch you in action.
You don’t have to join the circus to entertain your little one all day. You can inspire them and initiate healthy activity as they learn to imitate a life not controlled by a remote. Tame your TV and turn your toddler on to real life.
How has this helped you make wise choices about taming your toddler’s TV?
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