Something that I was thinking about on the way to work…..
I am so happy that Drs are now asking about screen time at early childhood physicals. At Tommy’s physical the Dr talked to us about how much screen time Tommy gets (TV and Computer) and the link to ADHD with too much TV. He said we were limiting Tommy well. If he even knew the half of our feeling on this subject. We have been limiting our children or at least trying very hard to since they were young! My hubby hypothesized about the link to multimedia and ADHD before it was common knowledge that there is a link. We also have never bought our older children any game system for the concern of too much screen time. A decision I am glad we made. They both play on the computer that is enough, why would we also need a game system.
I was also very happy that the Dr asked us how many books we read to Tommy a day. I can honestly say I personally read 3 a day to him and I know he has story time at daycare and school.
I hope all Dr’s are asking parents these questions! Both are huge concern areas. And by reading to your child you increase their ability so much and limiting screen time assists with decrease chances of ADHD and developing attention skills. I hope all Dr’s are looking past the physical health and to the raising of children as well. We have a fabulous pediatrician, actually he was voted one of the Top Pediatrician in the Twin Cities a couple of years ago, which is why we chose him for Tommy.
Just had me thinking how much different Drs are now compared to when I was taking Josh to his physicals as a small child. Or I just lucked out and have a very good pediatrician!
hey there just a quick note to say hello since Iam back now. I love the new look of your page its very nice~! Hope all is well ttys
Interesting about the screen time ADHD link. My 12yo son Matt has ADHD, he was exposed to a lot of tv when he was young. His grandmother babysat him daily from the time he was 6 weeks old until he was 3 and she always had the tv on. When my 9yo daughter Miranda was born I worked the night shift so I could be at home durring the day with the kids. They watched much, much less tv with me and I kept it mostly on educational programs such as Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. Miranda has no signs of ADHD, in fact she’s a great student and learning comes very easy for her.
We do have a playstation, but it sits unused. I haven’t bought a new game for it in almost 2 years. We have lots of computer games, but they are all educational.
We have a rule in our house that NO cartoons can be watched from Monday through Thursday. If the tv is on it’s on either educational programing or cooking shows. The kids complained a lot the first week, but now they all want to be scientists or chefs when they grow up!