When a child goes to see a doctor for a routine check-up, there are many preventative topics that should be discussed. Some examples include: safety counseling, discipline methods, immunization updates, smoking and drug use in teenagers and a number of other issues which fall under the so-called "Anticipatory Guidance" category.
I usually tell the parents of my patients that letting their child watch television is good. In fact, I tell them that they should watch more television. That, invariably, gets the parent and the child's attention. The child looks at the parent and grins from ear to ear. However, that smile lasts only a few seconds, as I am quick to add that I am not talking about just any television viewing; I am talking about specific, deliberate, planned viewing.When I say, "Watch more television" in counseling parents of preschoolers, I am talking about more good television. When I say, " Watch good television" some parents question if there is such a thing as good television.
There is indeed such a thing as good television.
Research done on the educational value of, for example, Sesame Street, has repeatedly shown the benefits a younger child encounters from watching good, educational television. Most recently, researchers at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Kansas went back and contacted 600 children in high school whose television watching habits they had tracked back in the 1980's. The kids who watched Sesame Street the most as four - and five -year-olds, were still doing better in school than those who did not.Even after controlling for parent's education, family size, and preschool vocabulary level, Sesame Street watchers did better in high school English, math and science. They were also more likely to read books for leisure than those who did not watch the program. Somehow, a single television show, watched over the course of no more than two or three years as a preschooler, was still making a difference twelve and fifteen years later (for more information on this research, see my web site, www.healthykids.ca where there will be a future seminar in June for parents on how to make your child more media literate).
Sesame Street is not alone. Its main rival, Blues Clues, employs a team of researchers skilled in early education. Alice Wilder, director of research for Blues Clues, has a PhD in education from Columbia University in New York City. Blues Clues tests all their shows at least three times before they go to air. Every line and idea is tested over and over to ensure its educational potential. With the recent passing of the legendary Mr. Rogers, there will be less good television on the air-although, to be sure, it is anticipated that the reruns will be a close second best. And after the September 11 tragedy, PBS had a resource for parents, done by Mr. Rogers, on how to help your child cope with what he or she sees on television during uncertain times. It is still a useful resource even now, and especially so during the wall-to-wall coverage of the war in Iraq and how it may affect the whole world. (see www.pbs.org)
How does one explain the benefits of exposing a preschooler to good television? It may be explained in part by the work of Eric Kandel, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist. Dr. Kandel recently won the Nobel Prize by showing that neural activation actually affects genes and proteins in a way to allow the formation of new synapses. In short, early experiences shape the way the brain develops--it shapes brain structure and connections within the brain.However, the issue is so complex that the American Academy of Pediatrics unlike the Canadian Pediatric Society---entered into some hot water three years ago by suggesting that parents do not allow a child younger than two years to watch any television. The Academy's thinking is that even half an hour of television viewing per day takes time away from face to face contact between parent and child. That remains a controversial position; perhaps even unrealistic as some have suggested.
Obviously, instilling good television habits in a child from an early age is a major challenge. I have the privilege to serve on two national committees with other experts where we look at research, make recommendations to both parents and physicians, and aim to address both the good and the bad of media's impact on children. We are very concerned about the major negative role of excessive television viewing in these areas: sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition and obesity, unhealthy body image, dieting and eating disorders, aggressive behaviour, fear and desensitisation to violence, substance use and abuse, and risky sexual behaviour.
For more information on what a parent can do to promote good television habits, visit www.caringforkids.cps.ca One of the best resources available on the topic of media shaping children's lives can be obtained from www.media-awareness.ca (I serve on their advisory committee and have found them to be on the mark, accurate and user-friendly every time)
Interesting as the research may be, I always remind parents that at the end of the day the best teacher is still the involved, caring and loving parent who makes the time to watch television with the preschool child. It is not easy it is however, vitally important.
Access www.healthykids.ca for a terrific new resource in helping families raise healthy children - HealthyKids with Dr. Nieman will optimize your child's complete health.
An informed parent is ... an empowered parent.