3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

At the risk of sounding totally self-righteous, I have to say that I was shocked to see that so many mothers think it is perfectly fine to let babies watch videos when the research for years has been proving otherwise. However, I did start to let my child watch some videos when he was about two. First, this was an extremely limited activity and reserved only for extreme circumstances...like when I was sick, or about to hang myself...or needed to have an important phone conversation uninterrupted.

We did not have cable (thank goodness) so I spent a lot of time finding the most beautiful, slow moving images ever committed to film. I was concerned about attention-deficit problems later on and it's true...a lot of what is made for kids jumps around so fast I can see why it would be hard for them to concentrate if they got used to that. Also, the studies I have read say "educational" tv is a big rip-off, a myth, and that the youngest children (babies, if you will) only appear to be watching tv because they are fascinated by the moving shapes and colors.

So with this in mind, I would say focus on aesthetics and think about it (if you must) as an "art appreciation" opportunity. There are a couple of Raymond Briggs films (The Bear and the Snowman) which are absolutely beautiful to watch and have no dialogue whatsoever. Other favorites include Kittens in the Country, The Red Balloon, and the Royal Ballet's production of Beatrix Potter's tales. I am in America, but I find much of what is made here for kids to be insulting on nearly every level. In today's overstimulating world, it seems like what kids really need (babies especially!) is LESS stimulation, not more. Surrounding your child with beauty and goodness is such a gift and it will last a lifetime.

Learn more about this author, Stacy Evans.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Is it acceptable to let your baby watch TV and videos?
We want to hear your view. Write now!