Elmo is far less annoying than Caillou. Far less. But is Elmo a good babysitter?
A survey of 168 licensed child care programs in Michigan, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts found about 70 percent of home based day cares allow children to watch TV. How much? As much as two hours of TV a day. Two hours!
The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids under the age of two shouldn't be watching any television. Older kids should only watch one or two hours.
I have a three year-old girl. I am as guilty as the next parent of using Scooby Doo as a nanny too. At my house, Dora does more than explore. She baby sits occasionally. I admit all those things to prove I am not some holier than thou parent who believes TV is the devil. However, two hours of TV at day care??
Preschool costs a fortune. If I found out my little one was watching television at preschool instead of doing crafts, reading and playing with friends, I'd be as upset as Oscar the Grouch upon hearing he needed to start using hand sanitizer because of the swine flu.
So, here's my question(s) for you: Would you be okay with your kid watching TV at day care? How much is too much TV? Is Caillou annoying to you too? Can children actually learn from watching cartoons?
Let's hear it. We'll share some of your comments at 5.
