Today there are many television programs geared toward young children that claim to help children learn.  However, research shows that watching too much television as a toddler can delay development and cause long-term problems, including a decrease in classroom engagement and success in math (University of Montreal, 2010).  Children will learn more from interacting with their parents, caregivers, siblings and peers than from watching a television program.


The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours of adult-supervised television time daily for children over 2 years of age, and strongly discourages television viewing for children younger than 2 (www.healthychildren.org). 

And, television isn't the only screen any more! Screen time includes computers, tablets, video games and smart phones.

While watching television or playing on the computer,  children are missing opportunities to:

✳ ask questions
✳ solve problems
✳ be creative
✳ practice eye hand coordination
✳ practice motor skills
✳ practice communication skills
✳ play interactive games with adults and siblings

If you like to have the television on for “background noise”, try turning on music instead. Borrow CDs from the library or have a music exchange with friends to add variety.

It may take a bit of work to break the television habit, but the long-term benefits for your toddler and the entire family make it worthwhile! 


University of Montreal (2010, May8). Toddlers and TV: Early Exposure has Negative and Long-Term Impact. Science Daily. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010


~Written by Joan Llewellyn-Burns, M.Ed., Developmental Therapist

Do you feel like your child’s toys are taking over your home? Are there toys littering every room, sprawled on every floor and crowding every corner? Toy clutter is overwhelming for parents and children alike.

When too many toys are out and available for play, it is hard for a child to know where to start. When the child becomes overwhelmed they may play with a toy for only a few moments before moving on to the next one. Often, the child seems to wander around or may aimlessly dump buckets of toys on the floor and just walk away; and the already tired parent ends up in a constant cycle of cleaning up. 

The way to conquer toy clutter is by rotating toys. Parents leave out a small amount of toys and put the rest away to rotate in at regular intervals. At first, getting into the groove of toy rotation will require some extra work, however, it will payoff for children and parents alike!

How to get started:

1. Leave out a small number of toys from different categories (books, puzzles, vehicles, blocks, etc) so your child has a variety of toys to play with.

2. Put the toys to be rotated into a bin or baskets and place them where the child cannot access them.

3. Set a day (ie. Saturday mornings) when you will rotate the toys.

4. Always leave out the absolute favorite toy your child loves and plays with daily – their favorite stuffed animal, car, etc.

Benefits to limiting the number of toys:

1. The child spends more time with each toy which helps increase their attention span.

2. The child learns how to use the toy successfully which helps boost their self- esteem

3. When the toys are rotated back into play they feel like brand new toys which saves money.

4. There are fewer toys scattered around the house which makes happier parents!




~Written by Joan Llewellyn-Burns, M.Ed., Developmental Therapist