Plan your infant’s viewing schedule.As a parent we advise that you use your own judgment in guiding how much television your baby or child should watch. The television can offer positive benefits for your child’s development when used responsibly. It’s very important to foster a healthy relationship between your child and the television, which means appropriately balancing her TV-viewing time with other educational activities.

Only select high-quality programmes.Your baby or toddler should only watch high-quality, educational programmes that are specifically pitched to her age group. That type of television viewing can have very positive results, such as improvements in vocabulary; TV can also enhance your baby’s experience by opening up a world of imagination and images.

Watch TV with your baby It is always recommended that you actively participate in your baby’s or toddler’s viewing experience, as the more you share and watch together, the more she is encouraged to develop her learning skills. It’s also helpful to talk to your toddler about the programs she watches and about how they relate to her everyday life.

Aim for age-appropriate viewing.Parents should always try to ensure that their baby or toddler watches programs which are age-appropriate and tailored to their needs, as the right programming will be specifically designed to enhance developmental skills in areas such as creative thinking, maths, sensory skills, language, social skills and creative play.

Maintain TV awareness. Despite competing demands on your time, do your best to stay aware of what your baby or toddler watches. You’d be surprised how quickly a nimble-gingered two-year-old can switch channels or insert a DVD when her parents are not watching! Knowing what’s on helps you safeguard against inappropriate viewing.

Reinforce the fantasy/reality distinction. Under the age of three, your toddler’s boundaries between fiction and reality can be blurred. When watching a program with your child, help him understand the fundamentals of make-believe and imagination by pointing out the differences between fiction and real-life.

Talk to your baby or toddler about the program. Always keep your voice tone light, fun and relaxed. Talk to him about the programs in exactly the same way that you would talk about what he saw in the park or at the library. For example, chat about the animals, the children, the songs and the stories. Your interest heightens his enthusiasm, even if he can’t speak yet.

Monitor your infant’s reaction.You will gradually get to know which programs she likes and which don’t really grab her attention. Occasionally look her while she views the TV, and if you find her attention wanders or she seems less interested than she was earlier, then it is time to find something else for her to watch.

Use TV as part of a range of activities.High-quality, educational TV programs are most effective in enhancing your infant’s development and learning when they are used as only one part of a broad daily schedule of stimulation activities that also includes, for instance, manipulate play, physical play, creative play, social play and discovery play.

Be prepared to use the “off” button.Responsible TV viewing means that you should be prepared to switch off the television when you think your baby or toddler has had enough. Once you have decided on the time and the type of programs he can watch that day, stick to these limits. That’s the best way to keep his learning fresh and dynamic.

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