…the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages television viewing for children ages two years old or younger, and encourages interactive play.
For older children, the Academy advises no more than one to two hours per day of educational, nonviolent programs, which should be supervised by parents or other responsible adults in the home.
In general, while watching television, your child is probably not doing any of the following:
- Asking questions
- Solving problems
- Being creative
- Exercising initiative
- Practicing eye-hand coordination
- Scanning (useful in reading)
- Practicing motor skills
- Thinking critically, logically, and analytically
- Practicing communication skills
- Playing interactive games with other children or adults (helpful for developing patience, self-control cooperation, sportsmanship)
What do you like to do to make sure your kiddos don’t sit in front of the TV all day?

My kids love to draw, water color, play make believe, and now that they are old enough 6 and 4 (big YAY) they can play outside on their own. When little sister is awake I will take her out to play and sit and read or something else while they play.
I have to say that when my kids have a structured morning without TV and minimal TV during the day it is so much more peaceful in our house. I can also say that I am very familiar with the opposite of having too much TV during the day or week. My boys are much MUCH more likely to act out their aggression and have temper-tantrums throughout the day or week.
Big Brother still asks to watch a lot (the TV is in the family room where all his toys are so it's a constant temptation), but he knows he is only allowed to watch one movie, or 3 shows on PBS Kids, per day so it's not too hard to regulate.
I like this post and the pics, Amy. I think the list of things your child is probably not doing while watching TV is shocking and makes a great point. Maybe what America's children need most is not more prescriptions for Ritalin, but just fewer unaided hours in front of the tube and little more parental interaction?