Life Notes: What Toddlers Learn from Television

by Erin Rockett, LPC, LMFT
The Ruston Daily Leader, Monday, June 1, 2005
Life Notes: Complete List 2004 2003

Ah, the terrible twos.... Did you know that children's most formative development, including stress tolerance, dietary preferences, and some personality characteristics develop during the crucial stage of infant to preschool years? Recent studies new insights on this crucial growth period, and potential harm of unlimited television viewing. American children average 19 hours minimum weekly viewing time, which too frequently replaces quality time with the parent or caregiver.

To fully appreciate this problem, one must understand critical skill development and emotional maturation which occur during the preschool years. Here are a few highlights: Research indicates between ages 10 to 14 months, toddlers increasingly demonstrate socially responsive behavior to adult emotional cues. At age 14 to 18 months, children initiate prosocial behavior, which later evolves towards empathy.

Prosocial, positive behavior builds blocks to responsible adult life. Unfortunately, unlimited childhood viewing behavior ties directly to numerous undesirable effects. Increased aggression which lingers through adolescence, contextual fearfulness, decreased physical activity, and creative/problem-solving behaviors, and increased consumption of processed, fatty, or otherwise unhealthy foods have been linked with excessive television viewing.

In contrast with negative outcomes presented by unlimited childhood viewing habits; positive, meaningful experiences are created when parents carefully monitor the content and access to programming. Socially responsible programming choices offer positive gender role models, demonstrate creativity, and depict cultural diversity and awareness. Viewing provides quality family interaction when families choose and watch together, and utilize discussion to explore the values, actions, and culture depicted in programs. Through observation and discussion of programs with parents, children gain the opportunity to question what they see in a safe, interactive environment. This is prime opportunity for parents to proactively instill healthy values, before lessons occur apart from family in an often cruel and dangerous world away from home.

Life Notes: Complete List 2004 2003

The Life Notes articles are written by staff of Louisiana Methodist Children's Home and are published in The Ruston Daily Leader.