Proposed TV Ban for Babies in the U.K.

The British Parliament will hear testimony Wednesday from a doctor who thinks the government should issue a "daily recommended allowance" of television consumption for children. He also suggests a ban on all TV time for children under the age of 3.

(I'm sure my boy is glad he lives on this side of the pond.)

The story in The Sun of London referred to a Lancet medical journal study in 2004 that found "children who watched more than two hours of television a day between the ages of five and 15 saw their health suffer years later."

"Experts made the link between childhood viewing and raised cholesterol levels, obesity and smoking in adulthood," the article stated.

It is becoming increasingly clear that we, as parents, must limit the time our children, particularly our babies and toddlers, spend in front of the telly. I'm not sure a government restriction would go over well in the States, but perhaps a suggested serving size - just like we have for food - would help parents who are unsure how much is too much.

It would seem that if our government opens the door to restrict television viewing, how far away is regulations for video game play time or eating too many between meal snacks. Those habits can be just as detrimental, no?

I don't disagree with the experts who fear TV is bad for your health. I just would prefer they arm me with the facts, and then let me decide what's best for my child.

Here's the link: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007180740,00.html

Television No More?

I'm afraid I don't have very good news. I thought it was OK to allow my 17-month-old son to watch a little bit of television, but then I found a report on the Nemours Foundation Web site that contends it is not.

Not exactly what this working mother wants to hear.

Ever since Hendrick started waking up at the crack of dawn I have been allowing him to watch "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Curious George" or "Sesame Street" while I rest for another 30 to 40 minutes. I work nights, so those extra minutes in the morning are a big deal.

And, besides, he's safe in the playpen next to my bed and watching something kid-friendly and commercial-free. Is that really so bad?

Experts differ on when it's acceptable to begin watching educational programs and how much young children should watch. Some argue it may only train them to become future couch potatoes while others contend it helps them learn language quicker.

Upon the advice of our adoption social worker, I started Hendrick out with 20 minutes per day, or one Baby Einstein video while strapped in his little chair. He was captivated, and I used that time to take a quick shower or make an important call or fix a meal. (So many chores, so little time...)

Sometimes, a mom really needs those extra minutes. Because, if your household is like mine, once we walk out of that bedroom our day is nonstop action - spills, thrills and spine-chilling moments when I discover my son attempting some new death-defying feat either at the kitchen table or the playground.

Maybe it's wrong, but I often think the time Hendrick spends in front of the TV is the only time during his waking hours that he is completely safe. And the only time of the day when I can breathe easy.

For information on appropriate structured activities for your toddler, check out the foundation's Web site, particularly this article:
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/fitness/general/active_toddler.html