|
We know that orphan babies left in their cribs
without the opportunity to be held or to interact failed to grow, became depressed, and
often died. Doctors know that premature babies have a better outcome if they are
held. Why should we listen to TV producers who say being plunked in front of the TV
is beneficial and perhaps required for our children's development? Our hearts tell
us that children thrive when they smile and we respond, when they accomplish their first
step and we cheer. Isn't your baby's beaming face, his ear-to-ear smile he gives to
you when you cheer his accomplishments proof enough that parents know best that babies
need human interaction, not a non-responding television? Think of what your baby is
losing when she smiles at the TV and the TV doesn't smile back. Think of what your
baby is losing when she takes that first step in front of the TV and the TV doesn't cheer
her accomplishment.
Parents need to know that not only does television not
prepare toddlers for school or help them learn language; it may actually get in the way of
learning. TV replaces active learning opportunities (interacting with others and
playing) with passive viewing of non-interactive TV.
Armed with the knowledge that Teletubbies® provides no educational or
emotional benefit for infants and toddlers, I would encourage every parent to watch a
Teletubbies® program one time. Many parents I spoke to
found the "baby talk" of this program difficult to understand, found the
distortion of natural universal laws disturbing (e.g. a scooter does not roll up a hill
top-over-bottom), found the robotic voice of the "voice trumpet" cold and
unnatural, and found the constant repetition not designed for the repetition requests of
their children. This program does not teach your child either language or about how
the world works. Ask yourself, after viewing it, whether you feel this program truly
meets any of the needs for your child.
Continued>
|
|
