Recent Family News
Should you let your little ones watch TV?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly discourages parents of kids under the age of 2 from allowing their little ones to watch television, saying that interactive play is crucial for kids as their brains are developing. One way this can be achieved is by purchasing new or used toys that encourage learning.As kids get older, however, a little TV time is acceptable, according to experts. The AAP says children over 2 years of age should have no more than two hours of screen time each day.
But finding programs that are age-appropriate and educational can be difficult for parents. Education.com recently featured some parent-approved TV shows for kids.
For those aged 3 and older, the website recommends Sesame Street (PBS), America's Cutest Pets (Animal Planet) and Jungle Junction (Disney Channel). Human Planet, on the Discovery Channel, is recommended for kids aged 5 and up. Those aged 7 and older may enjoy A.N.T. Farm (Disney Channel) and SciGirls (PBS). And kids over the age of 8 may like Last American Cowboy (Animal Planet) and H2O-Just Add Water (Nickelodeon).
"There's plenty of TV out there that can entertain, teach great lessons, and offer up great role models," Sierra Filucci, TV Editor at Common Sense Media, told the website. "It's important to remember that TV is more than just entertainment - kids are absorbing all kinds of messages about popular culture and social cues."

