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The Media Diet

After a stomach flu that lasted five days (whatever happened to the 24 hour flu?), we are on a media diet around here.  Big time.

TV viewing has never been much of an issue around here.  Screen time is scheduled and time limited.  It always has been.  As a result, they very rarely ask for more.

But when they’re sick?  That’s when the TV time increases.  It’s not on around the clock, but the extra show or two here and there begin to add up quickly.  Despite the fact that preschool programming really only runs about 18 minutes per show, the extra TV time gets to me.

Yes, I make sure to show quality educational programming.  Yes, I only use the DVR and my kids never view commercials.  Yes, I watch it with them so that I know exactly what they’re learning and processing.

Even then, it’s just too much.  If the audio and visual stimulation is too much for me when I allow extra screen time, I can only imagine what it does to my kids.

The recommendation remains that children under two should not get any screen time, while young children ages 2+ should be limited to two hours per day.  That’s total screen time.  If your child plays video games, that’s part of the allotted time.  iPads and iPhones?  Also included.

Bottom line?  Everything in moderation.

I’ve always felt that we have a good balance around here when it comes to screen time.  The microwave timer signals the end of the 10 minute iPad time and the TV watching is limited to specific shows in certain windows.  It works for us.

But a recent conversation with a friend got me thinking…

She toured our local elementary school and was surprised to learn that Kindergarten students are exposed to iPads.  My husband and I had the same reaction…”great!”  The fact is that our children are being raised in a tech savvy world; I would prefer formal and appropriate instruction early on.  It keeps them current and provides useful skills for the future.

I can understand her concern, though.

While we are a technologically forward family due to our respective careers (and the fact that our children rely on Facetime to see their daddy when he tours), many families shy away from technology for other reasons.  Equally as valid.

This same friend toured another out of district school that she loved for many reasons.  With a heavy art focus, it truly sounded great.  Apart from one small catch.  The school requires that each parent agree to zero media time during the school week.  Zero.  Zero TV, zero iPad, zero anything with a screen.

I believe my gut reaction was, “what happens if you get caught?”  Clearly, this rule is not for me.

As parenting expert and therapist, but more importantly as a parent, I’ve always believed in everything in moderation.  Too much of anything is not a good thing (except love, you can never get enough of that), but too little (or zero) leads to heightened curiosity and can lead to negative behaviors (lying to get the coveted item, overindulgence when it is permitted, etc.).

It’s like the diet that completely restricts carbs during the week but allows for a “cheat day” on the weekend.  Down goes the super size fries on Saturday.

Everything in moderation.

In practice, I see both sides of it.  I think it’s important to monitor what is being watched and what the kids are taking away from it.  I have vetoed certain shows due to heightened arousal post viewing.  Wow Wow Wubbzy is just asking for ADHD, if you ask me.

But Mickey Mouse Clubhouse teaches social skills and problem solving, Team Umi Zoomi teaches early math skills, and Super Why teaches early reading skills…there are skills to be learned during those 18 minutes.

And as a mom of two who functions as a one-woman team much of the time…I need to take a shower sometime.  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to the rescue.  Or do the dishes.  Cue Team Umi Zoomi.

As for that post stomach flu media diet?  My daughter welcomes it just as much as I do.  She’s tired of the TV too…

Everything in moderation.

What is your screen time policy?

Katie is a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist/Parenting Expert in Los Angeles, CA.  She has a five year old daughter, three year old son, and a rock and roll husband who makes her life complete. Katie has a parenting advice blog, Practical Parenting, and can be found on Twitter.  She also writes for moonfrye.

createwithmom and torviewtoronto

Monday 6th of February 2012

moderation is key :) lovely post but we all can't seem to stay off of technology for a long time :) regards #kindermom

Lisa Gillespie

Saturday 4th of February 2012

I posted this on the cartoon page too, but I thought I'd post it here to add to the discussion:

We adopted a 6 year old who already really liked any kind of screen, so when he first started coming to visit us we had to establish limits quickly. We ended up letting him have half an hour after breakfast, lunch and supper. This includes TV, computer, Wii or DS. If he’s ready early for school he can start early and get a little extra time, but he has to be ready to put on his coat and walk out the door. It’s worked well for us. On long road trips we don’t limit his screen time as much, which is good for everyone’s sanity.

Chris

Thursday 2nd of February 2012

We limit tv viewing and playing games on the iphone is a rare treat. It is difficult to find the balance. Movie tickets is a great idea. I would not want to follow the no tv rule. It feels very militant! Oh the joys of parenting; constant dilemmas!

Practical Parenting

Thursday 2nd of February 2012

When I made a schedule and stopped over-thinking it, we found a good balance. It's very rare that they ask for iPad time...I usually offer it when we have a dr appointment or very long wait somewhere...and even then I set a 5-10 min timer. It works.

I do love that movie ticket idea!

Pamela

Thursday 2nd of February 2012

We limit our two year old's screen time by issuing movie tickets. She gets one showtime per day and one family show (show we all watch together). On days where an extra break might be needed (sick days, days after sleepless nights, extra rainy weeks) we may offer her another ticket to use. We found she doesn't understand the limits unless she has a concrete way to see that she's already had tv time for the day. She does not have any other media options although occasionally, we let her watch jousting tournaments (she's obsessed with knights) on YouTube or a hidden pictures app on Facebook with Daddy. We don't have IPads or IPhones or any of that technology and until she's older (and actually has a use for it) I don't see the point. We'll make sure she has adequate education with technology but I think right now, creative play with concrete objects, art projects, baking, time in nature, time being active, playing with other kids on play dates are the most important learning tools she needs. We try to balance our own technology use as well; staying connected but not submersed in the technological world. Real world living is too good to exchange for a screen!

Practical Parenting

Thursday 2nd of February 2012

I LOVE the movie ticket idea! That's such a great way to give the kids some control over it...they turn in the ticket when they want to use it. Great! We also balance our use. I tuck everything away in the tech corner...they rarely even ask to use iPads unless they are sick or super over tired. The benefit of CA living is that we are always outside!!!

Galit Breen

Thursday 2nd of February 2012

I adore your moderation stance. It makes sense, is doable, and doesn't give into the "How can i get around this rule?" {Hee!} instinct.

Practical Parenting

Thursday 2nd of February 2012

Thanks, Galit. As the kid who was last get cable on my street...I can tell you first hand that kids will find what you won't let them have! Honesty and moderation are so important!