4th April 2014
I swore, before the birth of my son, that I would not become the type of parent who turns on the telly and allows my baby to watch the box. Indeed, I would avoid any and all children’s shows once Master Kingsley was born, for it would be fresh air, walks, nature and social interactions that would provide the fuel to his development and entertainment.
Television watching can be addictive, after all. The more that children watch, the more they want to watch. I know that; I grew up in a home with a telly which seemed never off. Even toddlers can become drawn to the set.
Once addicted, turning off the TV can become a daily battle. It seems that children who watch TV excessively often become passive and lose their natural creativity; they eventually have a hard time keeping themselves busy, and they lose valuable time that should be dedicated to “play” – which is the fundamental way kids learn.
So how is it that I have allowed a family of pigs into our home via a projected screen? Peppa Pig, her younger brother George, and their parents come face to face with a mesmerized Kingsley each morning (well, for the past 3 mornings) via his IPAD. The child seems so incredibly happy looking at the goings on of a family of oinkers. They are so delightful!
Even battle-weary me has succumbed to the show Peppa Pig which airs in episodes of 5 minutes duration, just enough for a busy me who needs a break from the child and a baby boy in need of some entertainment.
No TV for the infant, hey Alice? World, I eat my words!