The Effect of TV on Your Kids

Parents today have a seemingly endless choice of television programs and videos to show their children.  Some of them are even advertised as “educational.”  But the American Academy of Pediatrics says that children under two shouldn't watch any TV – none at all!  Why not?  And is that really realistic for parents today?  How much television should your child really be watching – and can she actually learn something while she's sitting there?  Join Dr Winnie King and a group of parents and kids who talk with experts to get the real story on where TV should fit in to your family's life.

Guests:

Chantel Dixon, Age 4
Michaela Dixon, Age 7
Theolinda Dixon, Mother of Chantel and Michaela
Justine Simons, Mother and TV Producer
Sandra Sheppard, Executive Producer of Cyberchase
Kristen Martin, Executive Producer of Cyberchase
David Hirmes, Online Producer of Cyberchase
Michael Rich, MD, MPH - Pediatrician; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Director of the Center on Media and Child Health
Claire Lerner, LCSW - Social Worker; Director of Parenting Resources, Zero To Three; Columnist, American Baby Magazine

Tips:

• Make family decisions about what to watch (and try to watch together.)
• Set an example by NOT leaving the TV on as background noise.
• Encourage kids to talk about what they see. 
• Explain that commercials are designed to make kids want things they might not need.
• Don’t allow TV in child’s room.
• Turn the TV off sometimes - Make a fun family event.

Resources:

The American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/ 
Click on the Parenting Corner
847-434-4000

Zero To Three
http://www.zerotothree.org/
202-638-1144

Center for Media and Child Health
http://www.cmch.tv/
617-355-2000

Common Sense Media
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/
415-643-6300

Winnie King, M.D.