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Decide If and How Much Television Your Child Can Watch Now to Prevent Problems Later

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 29-30 Month Old Toddler

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Television can have a very powerful effect on children. It can entertain and educate or it can be misused as a babysitter. It can also take children away from other important activities.

You may decide you do not want a television in your home and that you do not want your child to watch television. On the other hand, you might decide to use TV as a tool for your child to learn about people and the world.

Think about these guidelines when you decide if or how much, television your child will watch:

  • Limit screen time for everyone in the family to less than 2 hours a day and avoid screen time for children under 2 years old.
  • No TVs or computers in bedrooms.
  • Make it “hard” to turn on the TV and easy and fun to move and be active.
  • Limit children’s exposure to advertising. They will want what is advertised, whether it is healthy or not.
  • Watch television with your child and discuss what you are seeing. Doing this will help your child understand his world.
  • Ask yourself if you want your child to see violence on television. Violent situations are shown in news shows, cartoons and music videos, and they can be scary. Children who watch violence may become more violent.
  • Ask yourself if television keeps you from reading, talking, and playing with your child? Does it keep him from being creative, and active, or using his imagination?


Learn more about Your Toddler: 29-30 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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