I haven’t parked my newborn in front of the television with a children’s DVD playing on the television, but screen time happens.
The first time Sophia was mesmerized by the people in the light box was about a month ago when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played a free concert on the Today show. I had strapped Sophia into her bouncy chair in the living room while I got ready in the bathroom. I left the television on in the other room.
I noticed that she was being quiet and when I went to investigate I found her watching the Springsteen concert on T.V. Her chair wasn’t facing the television, but if she turned her head she could watch the show.
I decided not to turn off the T.V. or turn her chair completely around. It was only for a few minutes and who am I to argue with The Boss.
Since then there have been a few similar instances. I’ve caught her “watching” Book T.V. Perhaps she likes the slow easy banter. Her dad also held her and explained the rules of baseball for a few nights while they watched the Boston Red Sox win the World Series.
I have also noticed her watching me and the computer screen while I check my email and read the news online.
According to Media Education in the Practice Setting, a guide for pediatricians from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Media exposure at a young age (birth through age 2) often substitutes for important parent/caregiver/child activities that encourage early brain development, such as playing, singing and reading.”
I am aware of the recommendations from the AAP and we are making an effort to keep our daughter facing away from the television and computer while they are on, but there are times during the day when she is in close proximity to the big bad screen. It’s just the two of us at home during the day and there are instances when it happens.
And this entire conversation is lost on my father-in-law who bonded with his two sons while watching television with them throughout their childhood. His favorite stories include which show was playing on T.V.
My hope is that all of the other times when we play, read and sing will balance out the little bit of screen exposure Sophia gets.
The fact that she woke from a nap while I am typing this blog entry highlights the challenge. She’s awake and ready for some interaction, but I need to finish what I am doing before we can get down to some serious afternoon play. Do I place her away from me and the computer while I finish this blog post, or hold her and type with one hand? I’m opting for one-handed typing for just a few minutes.
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