Younger than 3? Then turn off the TV: SouthFlorida.com

Study links early TV watching to attention, behavioral problems

If you truly want a baby Einstein, plopping your child down in front of the TV probably isn't the best way to do it. The health behaviors developed during the formative years of birth through age 3 may last a lifetime, and TV is not a substitute for human interaction.

One WebMD study shows that watching television does not enhance a child's language or visual motor skills. Instead, it increases the odds for obesity, causes concentration problems and disrupts sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children age 2 and younger not watch television because it may negatively impact early brain development. A study by the AAP even found a possible link between television exposure at an early age and attention problems during childhood.

"It is good for short periods of time where the child is 3 and up for a 15- to 20- minute program, but under the age of 2, television is an absolute no-no," said Dr. Jill Perel, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and early child specialist of Boca Raton.

Child development goes in stages. An infant will practice cooing, smiling and babbling before saying his first words. Also, you may watch her hold up her head up, roll over, gradually sit up on her own, crawl and finally take her first steps. During this time, your child should be busy taking in the world around him through multisensory experiences rather than through television, which does not offer sufficient stimulation.

There is so much you can do to give your child a brain boost. You can start by interacting with your child.

"Talking to your child is extremely important for him to hear your voice and learn language," said Dr. Susan Levin, clinical psychologist of Boca Raton.

Perel said, "Give him the ability to recognize people and respond to people he knows. Make sure he is exposed to different environments, which makes him a more adaptable person."

Children don't all develop at the same pace, and that's OK.

"Experiences can help your child no matter what, whether he is going to be gifted or not," said Dr. Lauri Kirsch, EED, president of the Florida Association for the Gifted. "As you go through your day, pointing things out using all kinds of different words is so important."

It is important that your child gets adequate rest between explorations.

"Studies have shown that physical activity helps brain development," Kirsch said. "It is absolutely necessary." Being active stimulates language development, so you should talk about what you are doing using action words and vivid descriptors.

The next time you turn on the TV for your children, make sure they don't sit for an extended period of time. After age 3, you can discover myriad beneficial shows on TV that promote learning, sharing, cooperation, education, fitness and family values. But even good shows shouldn't dominate your child's free time.

A simple hug, a stroll in the park or a bedtime story just may be worth more than a few points on an IQ test.