A Discussion:

I admit, I myself have fallen prey to the easy way out, to Electronic Babysitting.  I think, we all do from time to time. My 8 year old son has a Play station. He loves his video games. To watch him play is to watch a person possessed. He loses track of time. His hearing is non-existent. In fact, in order to get him to pay attention to me, I stand in front of the television because he hasn't heard a word I said. How scary is that? It is as if he is living inside the video game.

The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend ANY television for children younger than two, and they recommend no more than two hours per day for children over two. Allowing more screen time than that takes away from other educational activities and also takes away from opportunities for physical exercise! Our children are becoming more and more overweight - in large part due to spending too much time in front of the screen.

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Trust me, as the parent of three young children, I certainly know how difficult it is to complete a project or even get dinner finished when you cannot rely on that electronic babysitter.  However, I force myself to allow them no more than two hours (on weekdays) of any screen time (television, computer or video games) per day. On weekends, they are allowed more leniencies. Other than that, they have to find something else to do. Board games, riding bikes, shooting hoops, throwing the ball around, and if they can't think of anything, they get to (gasp!) clean their rooms. Am I living in the stone-age? Sometimes I think I am the only parent who doesn't allow her children to have televisions in their rooms and unlimited game time.

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How much screen time do you let your children have? Do you wish it were more or less? How realistic is the two hour a day limit recommended by Pediatricians?  Please, feel free to join me in a friendly talk over over a cup of virtual coffee by commenting below.  :)

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To read more about my thoughts and experiences with Electronics Babysitting, join my Group "April's Coffee Talk" or visit my Roadside Cafe Blog "April's Blog" or read my article on Electronic Babysitting.

I've contended for a long time that television and video games lessen a child's ability to imagine, which is critical to their ability to think their way through a problem to a solution.  As an artist, I know the power of the imagination.  I still believe more strongly than ever that the best toy a parent can give their child is a big empty box and some crayons.  lol :)

I'm with you, April.  Kids need to learn how to interact with the world around them.  That can't be learned by watching TV  or  by playing a video game.  It may be a little more work (not depending on the electronic babysitter), but aren't our kids worth it?

Well I think that replacing time with our children with anything is not a good idea.  We all need a break and as a parent I know the value in having something to occupy their time so you can get something done, like cooking dinner, etc...

However I agree with you that some distractions may not be the best for them.  One gal on here wrote a blog on using video games to more educate our kids and so if you are going to allow T.V. or Video Games, finding educational resources may be a solution.

Well, I have a two year that is obsessed with spong bob.  I know watching TV is horrible for her and I am truly against it. On the other hand, after I get off of work and pick her up...I'm usually exhausted. It's nice to just sit there with her and not have to worry about chasing her around the house all the time. Have a laugh. We like to go for walks around the lake and for drives too. I always try and take her out for the weekends.  Basically, I think you have to do what you have to do. Whatever you feel is right for your child, probably is. As long as you follow that gut feeling.  Sometimes a nice little break helps. 

Another note? What about those new video games that are for education? I'm not sure what they're called. Supposed to be fun and full of knowledge? Or like the magic bus? Just a thought.

Take care and good luck with it.

-Jordan Maeen

I think this is a very difficult issue for parents today because our society is so media minded.  Particularly in the winter, I've had my kids rotate in a TV to computer to playstation orbit like they were stuck in some weird gravitational pull, and I've been told more than once that the sounds coming from my open mouth never reached anyone's ears.  My bottom line, however, is always, in all things, moderation.  The only thing being harmed by that Barney video that your child loves so much is your sanity, and if you are very selective about the media (as was mentioned) it can be educational.

Absolutely!  Children are so hooked on electronics these days they aren't encouraged to problem solve, use creativity, or imagination.  I believe the best Christmas present my 2 year old daughter could get this year would be a set of pots and pans - and a cardboard box.  Now, my 12 year old and my 9 year old would never go for that, but they DO enjoy reading books (in addition to the Ipod and Guitar Hero) LOL 

They are definitely worth it!  I think the behavior of our children is directly influenced by the amount of time they are allowed to sit and stare at a screen.  If they don't learn to interact with other kids, we are robbing them of developing social skills, including conflict resolution.  They need to know that not everything can be resolved by zapping the bad guys.  Sometimes, we have to actually interact with one another.  Thanks for the thought-provoking comment.

We cannot always be right there with our kids at all times and this is particularly true for single parent families (how in the HECK you do it is beyond me!!).  I have a friend who is insistent that educational videos and games are good for kids.  I agree, but would put limitations on their time.  They tend to disengage when presented with anything on a screen.   Thanks!

I don't think television is horrible for kids by any means.  I just think we need to be more conscious about how much time they are really on it.  I thoroughly enjoy sitting with my kids and watching cartoons (yep - we are huge Spongebob fans in this house) and movies together.  As for the learning games (V-Tech?) I think those are great educational tools.  I wouldn't let my kids have unlimited access to them, but they are great tools for encouraging learning and particularly developing their reading skills.  Thanks!

It is hard for parents because everything is electronic.  I can't imagine what my childhood would've been like with an influx of electronic everything.  I would've missed out on the tire swing, the tree forts, and touch football.  =)  I was a bit of a tomboy because I grew up with two brothers and we were very active.  I agree that in moderation, electronics are not the devil.  But a nice game of freeze tag followed by rolling in the lawn - well that's just good therapy! 

I unfortunately STILL fall under the 'guilty' category with electronic babysitters...video games,cartoons,things like that. On weekends and school holidays its only worse-they want to try their new games,etc. and it just gets SO overwhelming I end up grounding them from them entirely for a few days at a time.

I wish it was as simple as when I was a kid-just go outside and let us know if you think you're gonna die LOL!!!

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I know - it's got to be particularly difficult being a single parent and trying to keep them occupied all the time without resorting to electronics constantly.? I agree about being able to just let the kids outside until they collapse - hey - it was good enough for us!? =)