When I read this article, by Adriana Velez, I wanted to stand up and clap. She is absolutely right on when she says “Raising a Media-Free Toddler Is For People Who Live With Unicorns.” I agree with her overall, but disagree on a couple of points.
Here’s where I agree with her: The American Pediatric Association says toddlers (2-years-old and under) should have NO screen time. I can’t see ever going to the bathroom alone without Thomas the Train when my boys were 1-2 years old. Of course they didn’t sit for hours and watch TV, but I could get SOOOO much done in 10-15 minutes while they watched a short Thomas episode.
There are screens EVERYWHERE. We have iPhones, iPads, iPods, an XBox, and many people have DVD players in their cars and all kinds of portable “screens.” It doesn’t mean kids are on them all the time. Just because a family has these things doesn’t mean they have to be on, right?
This is where I disagree with Velez. She says it is more expensive to be “screen free.” I don’t think that is entirely true. Sure, you as the mom may have to give up more of your free time. You may have to be a little more selective about where the toddlers go to day care. I wouldn’t say it is more expensive.
In this day and age, I don’t think we need to feel bad for letting our toddlers have screen time. Elementary schools are headed towards a more electronic based learning style. Computers and computer knowledge are definitely part of many future careers for kids.
It comes down to balance. If you make sure your kids get time away from the screens, an hour or so in front of one isn’t a big deal.
What do you think about “screen free” or “media free” kids? Is it realistic to raise toddlers without ever looking at a screen?
