| Attention deficiency disorder (ADD) or attention | | | | or ADHD |
| deficiency and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might not | | | | Your child doesn't need to lead a completely |
| kill you, but its adverse effects could last a lifetime. | | | | television-free existence for the rest of his life, but you |
| While there are various possible inborn causes for | | | | do need to monitor the hours he consumes for |
| ADHD, letting your child watch too much television at | | | | television each day to decrease chances of ADD or |
| an early age can also increase the chance of your | | | | ADHD from occurring. |
| child having this condition. In conclusion, television do | | | | Doctors agree in saying that television exposure is not |
| contribute to ADD and ADHD. | | | | beneficial for children below two years old. In this |
| What is ADD or ADHD? | | | | phase of your child's life, he should focus on developing |
| As the causes for ADD or ADHD are unknown, all | | | | and honing his physical and mental abilities, both of |
| children are vulnerable to this condition. When your child | | | | which could be greatly hampered by early television |
| has ADD or ADHD, he may suffer from difficulties | | | | exposure. |
| with concentration, impulsiveness, memory recall, | | | | Do not use the television set as a substitute nanny. |
| organization, following instructions, and of course, | | | | Television may keep your child still and safe within your |
| attention and hyperactivity. | | | | house for long hours, but it's doing him more harm than |
| There is also no known cure for ADD or ADHD, | | | | good. If you don't have time to entertain or take care |
| although there are available medications and | | | | of him, hire a real nanny who could entertain your child |
| treatments in the market to help people manage their | | | | by reading books, playing interactive academic games, |
| condition. Nevertheless, children who have been | | | | and various hobbies and craft activities. |
| diagnosed of having ADD or ADHD should expect | | | | You can start letting your child watch television |
| their condition to stay with them in their lifetime. | | | | between ages three and five. In fact, television |
| The Role that Television Plays on ADD or ADHD | | | | exposure at this age can lead to improved scholastic |
| Although people had initially rejoiced at the wonderful | | | | performance, provided you let him watch the right |
| invention of the television in 1928, it was gradually | | | | programs of course. |
| perceived in an increasingly negative light as its effects | | | | Be aware of what your child is watching on television. |
| on children became clear. | | | | While most parents categorize programs according to |
| Watching too much television had been commonly | | | | content and value, you should also consider the show's |
| blamed for causing children to become lazy, obese, | | | | editing and pacing. Sometimes, television shows are |
| and violent. The term "couch potato" was coined in | | | | made of incredibly fast edits and scene progression |
| reference to individuals who seem never to leave the | | | | that your child ends up focusing completely on the |
| couch because of watching too much television. | | | | show. It doesn't mean he understands everything, but it |
| These "couch potatoes" are then prone to becoming | | | | definitely holds his attention. |
| lazy and increasing weight because of their sedentary | | | | This process is called orienting reflex, and it could |
| choice of hobby. | | | | make your child become impatient, bored, and |
| People, especially children, are also prone to copy | | | | frustrated when they are confronted by inevitable |
| what they see and that's why watching violent films or | | | | delays in the real world. |
| programs frequently can give also give them violent | | | | Thus, it's important to exert your control and authority |
| tendencies. | | | | early on as regard to what and when your child should |
| These are not, however, the only negative effects | | | | watch television. Avoid letting him watch programs that |
| caused by watching too much television. Researchers | | | | are not only violent in nature but also uses too much |
| have also discovered that watching too much | | | | orienting reflex in their editing. |
| television for children between one and three years old | | | | Last and most importantly of all, spend quality time with |
| can lead them to suffer from attention problems when | | | | your child so he won't need to resort to the television |
| they turn seven or enter primary school. It also | | | | for entertainment all the time. Constantly test and hone |
| increases chances by ten percent for kids developing | | | | his attention and focus skills through games and teach |
| ADHD. | | | | him the importance of interaction with other kids. This |
| Tips for Balancing Television Exposure to Avoid ADD | | | | way, television won't cause ADD or ADHD to develop. |