My three-year-old son loves to watch DVDs but I'm wondering if I've started to let him watch too much. It's all good stuff - anything to do with music, dancing, singing. He just stands in the living room singing and dancing right along. We keep his music instruments nearby and he "plays'' those. He fast forwards to his favorite songs and just really enjoys himself.
He probably watches 2 hours a day. Does that seem excessive? In some ways, I consider it the same as playing in his room by himself because he's very active while he watches the DVDs (vs. sitting on the couch and just staring at the screen). What do you think?
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 7 and 3.
I think your limit is pretty
I think your limit is pretty reasonable. I often wonder the same about my son (he's 2 1/2). We usually limit him to 1-2 hours a day. I think as long as he is active and doing other kinds of things throughout the day as well it is probably ok.
I would agree with you both.
I would agree with you both. I used to feel guilty. I think it is about balance. If they don't do anything else all day then it could be a problem. But if they are active kids, singing dancing, and playing during the movie and active all other times I would think it is fine.
Mother of 2 beautiful girls!
I, too, agree. Balance is
I, too, agree. Balance is the key. And, when our son was three he really attached to certain toys, movies, stories, activities...really went after it full bore, you know? He was 100% all about Thomas Train from 2 to almost 4.
Mouse_tales is a discussion leader in the East Valley for arizonamoms.com. She spends most of her days juggling her duties as a (bio & step) mom, wife, and business owner. Her three little kittens range in age from 5 to 13.
I think DVD's are ok if
I think DVD's are ok if limits are set. I think actively watching dvd's and dancing along with can be positive. It is much better than watching passively on a couch for prolonged periods of time. The important thing is to keep it interactive and participate with your child when possible.
Personally I think the big thing with activities such as television viewing and computer usage in the future is establishing it as a privilege and not abusing it.
JuneSlager is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com, raising three children (ages 15, 14, & 11) in Northeast Phoenix.
Thanks all - makes me feel
Thanks all - makes me feel a lot better. Now, if only I can put up with the awful WeeSing videos he loves.
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 7 and 3.