I have been criticized more than once for letting my toddler watch television. It is often referred to as the electronic babysitter, mostly by people who don’t think toddlers should watch television at all. However, I do not consider the television to be an electronic babysitter, so much as a source of both entertainment and education.
There have been times when I have joked that I’m happy to have my electronic babysitter. That usually occurs when I desperately need to finish dinner and my son wants to play ball. I need a few minutes to get plates on the table and get the food out of the oven. I can turn on a cartoon and my son is content to sit and watch television. While I am finishing up dinner, my electronic babysitter is teaching my son new words, colors, shapes, actions and ideas. I do, of course, try to make sure that he’s watching children’s programs. His favorites are “Looney Toons” and “Spongebob Squarepants,” and I have no problem with those shows.
We have family television time where we all sit and watch our favorite television shows. This is family time that we are spending together and we are interacting with my son during this time. We may be rolling cars back and forth or coloring in a coloring book. The television isn’t the only thing that is going on in the room. It is, however, providing common ground and even a topic of conversation for everyone in the family.
I don’t see television as all bad. Most hobbies can be taken to an extreme, including watching television. I consider the content of what is on and what the purpose for watching is. There are movies that we all watch for entertainment. There are documentaries that we watch for information and education. I think there is room for television in most toddlers’ lives.
Toddlers can enjoy television and gain something from it if their parents monitor what is being viewed. As with most anything pertaining to toddlers, the decisions need to come from the parents. I believe that television can offer value for toddlers if the program is appropriate. Cartoons and programs designed for children are generally fine for toddler viewing, in my opinion.
It is obvious that toddlers shouldn’t be allowed to watch horror movies that could scare or even traumatize them. It should be obvious that movies that are not rated G may not be appropriate for toddlers. Parents should determine what is appropriate for their toddlers.
I am thankful that there are programs geared toward toddlers. “Blue’s Clues” is one program that comes to mind that I think is a great show for toddlers. It teaches them and it is presented in a way that holds their attention.
Regardless of any criticism that I may receive about my electronic babysitter, I will always be appreciative of the few moments that my toddler sits still and watches cartoons so that I can set dinner on the table.
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