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Children Loves TV & Too Active My son is 18 months old and loves watching TV. If either my hubby or I switch off the TV or turn to another channel, he would take the remote control and request us to change it back to his channel. Furthermore he stands in front of the TV and watches it at a very near distance. I am afraid that it will spoil his eyes. Another thing is he is kind of active. Whenever I take him to the toddler class in church, he will be the only one who actually runs around (active) while other kids will be quietly seated with their parents. Usually, I carry him away and to a separate room so as not to distract the others. Is this normal for a boy at that age?

Answer

Answered by Dr Hon It is not recommended to let children below 2 years old watch TV. However, if you do allow your child to watch TV, limit the time of viewing and set strict rules on TV watching. When adults are watching, let your child know that his turn is over. If you are strict and consistent with the rules, your child will understand and comply.

Most children at this age are very active. Continue to let him participate in a toddler class. There is no need to take him away to a separate room. Explain to him that during the class there are certain rules to be followed and he needs to sit down and listen so that he can hear the instructions and participate in the activity. After a few lessons, sometimes months, he will follow the class.

All these behaviours need to be learned and it's up to us as parents to train them. Children are not born with the good/acceptable behaviours. They are however very good imitators and 50% of their behaviours are shaped by their parents. The other 50% is shaped by the environment. Be careful what you do or say in front of your children. They can pick up emotions very easily as well.

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