There is little doubt that toddlers enjoy watching TV and can spend an entire day just viewing their favorite shows. However, a new study has just revealed that too much TV can actually have negative effects on your child's sleeping habits!
No More Scary Movies For The Kids
The study, which was conducted by Seattle Children's Research Institute and published in Pediatrics, found that young children who watch violent or scary shows have trouble falling or staying asleep. In addition to that, study author Michelle Garrison stated that toddlers may end up getting nightmares when watching TV shows that may contain disturbing images.
"For a 7- to 10-year-old, they are really at a point where cognitively they can grasp that that's not real violence and they can see the humor in it - it's not frightening for them," she told CNN. "But 3- to 5-year-olds just aren't developmentally there yet."
TV Watching: Daytime Vs Nighttime
Although that doesn't seem like groundbreaking news, the research also found that children who watch any type of TV shows right before bedtime had a tendency to suffer from the same sleeping problems. Toddlers who spend plenty of time in front of the TV during the daytime did not have any trouble sleeping, while the young children who watched their shows at night had difficulty staying asleep.
So how can you make sure that your toddler has healthy sleeping habits? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to watching TV.
Choose The Shows Your Child Will Watch During The Day
It is best to find TV shows that are not only age-appropriate, but will also keep your toddler entertained. You can also purchase DVDs of educational films and programs that will help your child learn while they are watching.
Turn Off The TV At Least One Hour Before Bedtime
If your preschooler insists on watching their TV shows at night, make sure that the program is over long before it is time to sleep. It also helps to spend some time with your toddler before you tuck them in, and a bedtime story can even make sure they fall asleep with positive thoughts in mind.
