Standing firm upon my parenting beliefs

I came across this online blog article talking about the detrimental effects of TV on the brain and cognitive development of children. It resonated strongly with me and further validated our decision to not introduce television viewing to Xander, at least not until he is much older.

Here's the video that in included in the blog article and it is truly fascinating. If you have some time and this topic interests you, I recommend taking the time to watch it. I promise you that you will go away thinking twice the next time you think about putting your kid in front of the TV to buy yourself some peace and quiet. I particularly loved the examples of Powerpuff Girls and Baby Einstein videos given in the presentation.



If my mum is to come to me now the same way she came to me a few years ago, asking me what's wrong with my brother and why is he behaving as such and not performing well in school and all that, I'll have the perfect answer for her now. Just watch the video and you'll see it all for yourself.

These past 2 weeks I have been hooked on the Australian Open tennis tournament broadcast on TV, and as a result Xander has been watching some of it with me. But I'm relieved to say that he never did show much interest in the TV except for short intervals of time, and was more fascinated in the people hitting the ball (which he recognises because he has his own tennis balls too!). And me sitting on the couch all day made him really happy because he felt as though he had my full attention and could get me to read books to him and sing to him whenever he fancied some one-on-one time with mommy. And I was happy to oblige :) I am okay with him watching the tennis with me because of the limited screen changes and flashing images that he is exposed to... but I know I cringed every time really crappy day time television advertisements came on and he turned his attention to the TV. I'm kinda glad it's over and the TV can go back to being just a blank black screen in our living room all day.

This also ties in with another article I read some time ago when I was seeking out resources to back up my no-TV decision. Again, if you are interested in learning more about caring for and educating infants and young toddlers, I highly highly recommend spending some time and reading through the articles on her website. Many of the issues have resonated with me and although certain points do not sit entirely well with me and my parenting philosophy, there is wisdom and truth in her observations and ideas, as far as I can tell. Her education, beliefs and ideas support mine where it relates things like play, child-led learning, respecting the child as a unique person, teaching rather than disciplining, guiding rather than pushing. Reading through her articles have motivated me to keep on doing what I so strongly believe in - parenting my child the way I want, and not letting naysayers and other people sway my beliefs.