Giving your child no screen time isn’t viable, as watching educational programs benefits young children. However, the kind of materials they watch or applications they use determines its impact. You shouldn’t feel bad letting your two-year-old have screen time, but it is important to be present to aid their development and prevent negative influences from the media they watch. Here are some reasons to watch TV with a young child;
It enhances Your Child’s Learning
Children benefit from interactive sessions with adults; you can make screen time more engaging by watching kids TV shows with them. It makes learning easier for children and helps them retain more than if they were watching alone. Since TVs and digital devices arenon-responsive to a child’s actions while watching, parents can be there to make the screen time interactive by responding to them and doing actions together.
Parents involvement in their child’s screen time is critical to them benefitting from media. It provides a chance to teach the young ones about social issues and aids in understanding the lessons.
It makes Kids Active Viewers
The purpose of giving your child screen time is to have them learn, and watching TV withthem is critical in making them active viewers. Parents can improve it by discussing what they watch during or after screen time. It includes expounding on what is on the screen and helping the children understand whatthey are seeing. Engaging a kid during the experience creates a deeper connection with the topic or message. However, it would be best if you were careful of too many conversations during your child’s screen time, and it would be best to pause the media or wait for a program to go for a breakto talk about it.
Watching TV with your child improves your relationship as they will enjoy and appreciate the experience. It is a suitable way of bonding with your child as you play a part in shaping their lives. It would help to avoid distractions like using your phone as itis counteractive to your efforts, and children will notice it. You should be a co-viewer and show some interest. Therefore, selecta TV show or media that won’t irritate you while considering its topic and message.
Itis an opportunity to Instill Values
When picking something to watch with your child, consider what you want them to learn from the experience. There is alot they can learn from the characters they watch on TV, and it gives you a chance to instill good values in your child. As kids grow up, they will remember the lessons shaping their future.
Children learn different techniques to self-regulate from what they see on television. You can help them handle their emotions by discussing how characters self-regulate and relating them to the real world. By doing so, both parties will have the same point of view on different matters they come across during screen time.