Hi Moms
I know how TV can be bad for a child
I have a 8 month old and I keep him away from TV by all means
but...is computer equal harmful?
My parents live abroad so we talk everyday via SKYPE with the webcam so they can be part of my son's life.
He interacts a lot with them and listen to them
Is talking on computer the same as watching tv?
:-(
Thank you all soooo much for the replies...
Is such a relief to know that Skyping is not bad...
He indeed interacts A LOT with my parents...
My parents were here for 3 months when Lucas was born and my mom was here for a month in April/May and they are coming back in October for his 1st bday...and will stay another month! So my son do know them live, but every morning when is " fruit time" he eats in front of the laptop with my parents talking to him...his response is incredible...
My father likes to clap his hands and Lucas laugh straightaway! My mom gave him a sweet name and if she calls him he looks immediately looking for her!!! Or sometimes he is just on the ground playing and my parents are online watching it and cheering if he gets the toy he was trying to reach or something similar..
I also think is a pretty healthy interaction...and have to be honest..Lucas knows his grandpa and grandma via Skype better than the ones here ( my in laws)....
Thanks a lot for your replies!!! I always count on this site and it always turns out helpful
I dont think TV is bad for kids. There are lots of educational shows that children learn from and there is nothing wrong with entertainment now and then. But I definitely do not think there is anything wrong with talking over the internet via skype. He is getting to know his grandparents probably more than if they were here. I think its great! :)
It is definitely not the same! I think you should let him 'talk' to them whenever they would like.
I don't think watching TV even compares with Skyping with grandparents. Video calls like that are totally interactive, and it allows your son to become familar with his grandparents. Personally, I think it's great!
Hi L.,
I've never read a study on this, but as a therapist I learned that one of the major problems with TV is it is too passive-- it does all the work for kids. Also, I've noticed kids' TV works in a false conversation where a character will say 'Now you....' whatever, pause as if waiting for the kids to do it, then go on-- this doesn't really teach kids how to interact with people. Neither of these is true with skyping with grandparents-- it's very interactive, and I'm sure your child is getting lots of real practice since the grandparents are really reacting to him.
The thing about TV is that it is very passive, it requires very little from the brain---so if your child is really interacting with his grandparents, not just looking and listening, or if you are there with him talking and interacting also, and if it is not all the time--- I think it is fine. = )
In this case it is a communication device, like a phone, not just a box with moving pictures and noise! I think it is a blessing that such family interaction is possible these days.
