Watching TV is a great way to pass the time. You can watch a movie, educate yourself with a documentary, or catch up on your favourite shows. In fact, many regard this as the golden age of television thanks to the introduction of things like streaming services. By all accounts, TV is great for adults – but what about your little ones?
Your toddler will of course want to enjoy their favourite shows on TV, but the question is, how much TV should a toddler watch? Keep reading to find out.
Toddler TV Guidelines
When it comes to toddlers, experts recommend that children between the ages of 1-3 don’t exceed more than 1-2 hours of screen time – which includes TV time. This doesn’t include activities like video calls with family but refers mainly to things like movies and TV shows.
Like most activities, watching TV can be beneficial for your toddler if done so in the right way. If you want to let your little one watch TV, here are some tips that you should keep in mind.
1. Choose the right content
If you’re going to let your children watch TV, it’s important to choose the right content. Understanding the parental guidance of programming is important, however, there are other things that are worth considering, such as the quality of the content. For example, there are a number of great free kids cartoons available that are both fun and educational. These cartoons are specifically designed to shape the minds of your little ones in a positive way – unlike other programming that is designed simply to keep them still.
2. Make it part of their daily routine
To help your little one avoid spending too much time in front of the TV, make screen time part of their daily routine. To do so, you can do simple things like letting them watch TV as they eat breakfast or lunch. This will help to establish a regular routine, which is helpful for toddlers.
3. Foster their interest in other activities
Whilst TV can be fun, there are plenty of other ways that your little one should enjoy their time. Try to foster their love of other things such as reading, exercise, toys, and more!
Final Thoughts
By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to make TV time a positive and healthy experience for your toddler!
