should kids younger than 2 watch TV and movies?

[Ashley Linne]

I heard yesterday at Eric Jensen's brain-based learning seminar that kids younger than 2 should avoid all TV viewing (including Baby Einstein; I think he said there wasn't solid proof it actually helps?). I also just found an article that says the American Academy of Pediatrics "recommends that children under age two avoid television viewing all together. Children older than two should be limited to no more than one or two hours of high quality programming per day. They further recommend that television sets be removed from children’s bedrooms." article

I haven't watched the Baby Einstein stuff, and I don't have kids yet, but I really am curious what everyone has to say about this (in support of either side of the issue) and if they have access to some other research about it.

[Christy Davis]

Both of my children watched tv when they were younger than 2. I don't like them watching it all the time but for 30 min. while I prepare dinner, or when my daughter has to have her breathing treatments, it is a real help (they do watch it more than that sometimes...just depends on the day). No, it is not a necessity but I have not ever been strict about tv/movie watching (age appropriate shows). Both of my children are highly verbal and have no developmental delays (some argue tv before two will hinder speech). My son started talking at 15 mo. and my daughter at 2, and they both speak very well.

I would never put a tv in my child's bedroom, parents should monitor what their children are watching and for how long. If a child does watch tv it is important to also have other activities throughout the day. They need to learn by playing, drawing, coloring, exploring, etc. But a little tv, in my opinion, does not hurt.

[Jessie Weaver]

I've seen some research lately (by Harvard) that it's pretty much a null argument--kids who don't watch TV aren't smarter than those who do, and vice versa.

I have a five-month-old, and while we definitely pursue wanting her to be stimulated mostly in other ways, we do slip in the occasional Baby Einstein video--and she watches some sports with Daddy! I know she's not really learning French from it, but she likes the bright colors and it makes her content enough for me to maybe unload the dishwasher or something. While I don't think you should have the TV on constantly by any means, I don't think it's particularly hurtful.

[Jennifer Love-Everson]

If it weren't for baby einstein, i would have been a grumpier mother (and driver)! My daughter loved those and got to see her dvd once each evening while I prepared dinner (or on our MANY road trips before she turned 2).
now, at 4, it is often more boring to sit still for more than 15 minutes and she would rather play a board game or go outside (or hostess a tea party!) :)