TV Viewing in Toddlers | Handle with Care

 

Television and screens often serve as "electronic babysititers" for busy families. Research suggests that the timing, content, and context of a preschool child's screen exposure can have profound impacts on their behavioral, dietary, and long-term social development. Understanding this is essential for parents and caregivers to foster healthy developmental trajectories.

Behavioral Regulation and the Protective Power of Culture

One of the primary concerns regarding early television exposure is its link to dysregulation, which is the inability to monitor and manage emotions and behaviors. Research involving toddlers across 14 different countries has found that higher levels of TV viewing are consistently associated with difficulties in attention and self-soothing. Frequent exposure during this foundational period of can disrupt the development of executive functions such as working memory and inhibition.

Interestingly, the impact of television is not universal and can be heavily influenced by family practices and cultural values. For example, studies found that time spent watching TV was less strongly associated with dysregulation in Spanish toddlers compared to children from other cultures. This may be due to the cultural concept of familismo, where TV viewing is treated as a shared family activity rather than a solitary distraction. When families engage with content together, it can act as a protective factor, helping children contextualize what they see and promoting more positive developmental outcomes.

The Hidden Link Between Screens and Poor Nutrition

The impact of television extends beyond behavior into a child’s physical health, particularly their dietary habits. A study of two-year-olds found a strong association between daily TV time and the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food, and junk food. Conversely, toddlers who watched less TV were more likely to consume fruits and vegetables.

Perhaps the most striking finding is the specific risk of mealtime screen use. Toddlers whose families "usually" had the TV on during meals were more likely to consume sugary drinks and junk food compared to those whose TVs were off. Experts suggest that watching TV while eating can blunt internal satiety or hunger cues, leading children to consume high calorie, nutrient-poor foods. Furthermore, children are often exposed to targeted advertisements for unhealthy snacks and beverages..

TV Viewing, Cognition and Language

While many parents believe that "educational" programming is "good for the child's brain," the research presents a more complex picture. Longitudinal studies examining infants from birth to age two found that while TV viewing initially seemed to correlate with lower language and visual motor skills at age three, these associations often became null after adjusting for family characteristics.

Factors such as maternal education, household income, and the quality of the home environment are much stronger predictors of a child’s cognitive development than the amount of TV watched. It is important to note, however, that researchers also found no evidence of cognitive benefit from watching TV during the first two years of life. This supports the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation to avoid digital media for children under 18 to 24 months, except for video chatting.

Violent Content and Aggression

The most concerning findings involve the long-term risks associated with the content children view during their preschool years. A study tracking children for over a decade found that exposure to violent television content at ages 3.5 and 4.5 predicted proactive aggression, physical aggression, and antisocial behavior in boys by the age of 15.

Proactive aggression—such as threatening or hitting others to get what one wants—and involvement in gang fights were significantly linked to early violent televiewing. Experts believe this occurs through social modeling and desensitization; when young children observe characters being rewarded for aggression, they may begin to view violence as an acceptable way to resolve conflicts. Because they often identify more strongly with the predominantly male characters in violent media, boys are more vulnerable to these long-term behavioral risks than girls.

Key Recommendations for Caregivers

The research provides a clear roadmap for parents looking to minimize the negative impacts of screens on their children's development:

• Adhere to Time Limits: For children aged two to five, limit screen time to one hour or less per day of high-quality programming.
• Establish "Screen-Free" Zones: Keep the TV off during mealtimes to encourage healthy eating habits and family interaction.
• Prioritize Shared Viewing: Rather than using the TV as a babysitter, watch with your child to help them understand the content and apply it to real-world experiences.
• Vet Content Carefully: Avoid exposure to violent or fast-paced content during the preschool years to protect against future aggressive tendencies.

By focusing on the quantity and quality of media exposure, caregivers can ensure that technology serves as a tool for engagement rather than a barrier to healthy development.

References:

1. Brown K, Desmarais E, Gartstein M. Considering the impacts of television exposure on toddlers' dysregulation: Does culture matter? [Internet]. Child and Family Blog. 2023 May [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://childandfamilyblog.com/considering-the-impacts-of-television-exposure-on-toddlers-dysregulation-does-culture-matter/.

2. Lutz MR, Orr CJ, Yin HS, Heerman WJ, Flower KB, Sanders LM, et al. TV Time, Especially During Meals, is Associated with Less Healthy Dietary Practices in Toddlers. Acad Pediatr. 2024 Jul;24(5):741-747. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.09.019.

3. Schmidt ME, Rich M, Rifas-Shiman SL, Oken E, Taveras EM. Television Viewing in Infancy and Child Cognition at 3 Years of Age in a US Cohort. Pediatrics. 2009 Mar;123(3):e370-e375. doi: 10.1542/peds.2008-3221.

4. Pagani LS, Gilker Beauchamp A, Kosak LA, Harandian K, Longobardi C, Dubow E. Prospective Associations Between Preschool Exposure to Violent Televiewing and Externalizing Behavior in Middle Adolescent Boys and Girls. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025 Jan 20;22(1):129. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22010129.

In Search of Wisdom

References to wisdom and to the wise have been found in almost all ancient civilisations, mythologies, religions, and philosophy. Philosophy (philo-sophia) literally means the love of wisdom. It has often been referred to as the ‘father of all virtues’, suggesting that wisdom was considered to be the ideal of human development, even of divinity - attained only by a few. Many millennia later, we are yet to understand or even define wisdom. 

Wisdom is often assumed to be the sum of one’s knowledge and experience. Thinking patterns that are associated with wisdom - the ability to contemplate and think introspectively, to consider multiple perspectives and to have insight into individual and cultural differences develops only in late adulthood, as does practical knowledge of the world. However, age, by itself, does not bring wisdom – some studies have found that many of us tend to become more rigid and live more constricted lives as we grow older, while openness to learning and experience are essential to wisdom. 

Wisdom is therefore a multi-dimensional construct, comprising cognitive, emotional and personality attributes; as well as motivational factors. A look at some of the qualities in those we consider wise include:

• Empathetic understanding of human behaviour. The ability to understand is deemed one of the most important aspects of wisdom. A Yiddish proverb says it all - “A wise man hears one word and understands two.” 
• Tolerance for different opinions and perspectives. Essential to understanding is the ability to accept and respect differences. 
• A rare degree of insight and judgment. The ability to consider the consequences of actions on the individual and on others, and to be able to see the bigger picture.
• Acceptance of life’s uncertainties and the realisation that we must engage with life while knowing that the future can never be totally under our control.   
• Humility to accept and be aware of the limits of one’s own knowledge. As the wise Socrates said “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing”.

The ability of an individual to find the right, or at least good answers to complex and important life questions; while balancing the needs of the individual, that of others and the wider society at large is the accepted definition of what we consider wisdom. 

Can wisdom be learnt? Do certain environments promote wisdom?

Certain environments can encourage the kind of thinking that characterises wisdom. A non-judgmental framework within which a child can question, voice doubts and is encouraged to respect the views of others fosters wisdom. Conversely, a dogmatic atmosphere in which things are seen as right or wrong may lead to self-centeredness and the inability to appreciate differences of opinions and values. Indeed, educationists, philosophers, and psychologists have suggested that schools should combine the pursuit of knowledge with a curriculum for teaching wisdom. Developing wisdom was indeed considered the aim of teaching and learning in many ancient cultures.

Learning comes, but wisdom lingers - Alfred Lord Tennyson

References

www.wisdompage.com/AnOverviewOfThePsychologyOfWisdom.html

The Importance of Routine

Imagine if you have the freedom to wake up to a completely unstructured day, free from all constraints of time. To do whatever you want whenever you want all day long. This may sound like a dream; but try it for a few days and you will soon feel listless, dissatisfied and directionless. The feeling that life is passing you by and you have no control over it will overwhelm you, and you will long for the comfort of routine. 

Such is the power of routine and structure in our lives! It anchors us to our lives, gives it meaning and purpose. It is, undeniably, one of the most important aspects of our physical and mental well-being. As exciting as an unplanned day may appear, it can be very harmful for mental health and can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and distress.

Our lives involve constant interactions with our social and physical environment – at home, at work, in the neighbourhood and in the wider world around us. We have little or no control over most of these aspects of our lives and we know not when the unexpected may happen; therefore, it gives us a great sense of stability to have some things under our control. 

In a changing world, it is reassuring to realise that some things will be constant - the alarm that wakes us at a particular time, the morning cup of coffee, our daily walk, meals at particular times, getting dressed and reporting for work. This morning routine calms and prepares us for the day ahead and helps us cope during a crisis. 

The sense of normalcy that routine brings reduces stress and anxiety, which benefits us both physically and mentally, regulates the biological clock and enables better sleep; setting in a cycle of wellness and regularity.

Without structure, there is little motivation. Having a definite structure to the day also improves productivity and our sense of self-efficacy. By completing the routine tasks and chores which must be done, we get a sense of achievement, free ourselves of the nagging worry that incomplete tasks and procrastination inevitably bring and lets us focus on the more challenging tasks of the day.

How to start a routine

• Keep it simple. 
• Start with a sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. The very act of getting up and changing into fresh clothes can set us to feel refreshed and motivated. 
• Build in the essentials – the things that must be done. This includes daily activities – such as meals, exercise, bath; and weekly chores such as buying groceries, laundry, house cleaning etc. 
• Do daily activities at the same time every day. Choose a time that works for you. If you are rushed in the mornings, schedule your exercise and bath for the evening.
• Always include some activities you enjoy – gardening, reading before bedtime, talking to friends or watching your favourite serial. 
• Remember not to keep your schedule too rigid. Allow for flexibility when the situation demands.
• Don’t be disheartened if you falter. According to one study, it took a minimum of 66 days to form a single new habit! 
• Reward yourself when you stick to a schedule.

References

1. https://adhdwellnesscenter.com/the-importance-of-structure-and-routine-for-your-mental-health/
2. The Importance of Keeping a Routine During Stressful Times (verywellmind.com)

 

Nostalgia

Remember that sepia-tinted class photo someone posted in your social media group? The flurry of comments, the almost-audible laughter, the warm fuzzy feeling, and the wistfulness that followed? You were indulging in a spot of nostalgia – that bittersweet feeling of pleasure mixed with sadness as you think of happy times in the past.

Nostalgia, literally meaning ‘ache for home’, was described in the 17th century and was considered an illness - a form of melancholy. While it’s true that we tend to indulge in nostalgia when we are unhappy, lonely or anxious; and during times of change and uncertainty; we also know that this yearning for the past is a universal human experience. Across cultures, we experience and indulge in nostalgia, and researchers now understand that it can serve many useful purposes.

• It helps us overcome negative emotions. 
• The positive emotions evoked by our nostalgic memories help us overcome feelings of sadness or anxiety we may be experiencing currently. 
• It helps us connect to our past and unifies our sense of identity. 
• We see our own journey through life - as we were, as we changed and adapted to circumstances, right through to who we are today. 
• It connects us to others and strengthens social bonds. Even when we are alone, our memories include and involve others, making us feel connected to them. This helps to dispel loneliness, especially in these difficult pandemic times. 
• Nostalgia is a good coping mechanism. The knowledge that we have overcome difficult situations in the past helps us cope with current situations; and gives us the perspective that the present, like the past, is temporary. 
• Nostalgia encourages feelings of empathy with others, even when they may not concern our own personal memories. It may serve to build bonds across generations and connect us our roots. 

However, there is a flip side too. Our forays into nostalgia may cause us to dwell on negative aspects of our past - the times when we were lonely, cold, hungry or rejected. Nostalgia may worsen feelings of sadness if we are depressed or going through a difficult phase in life. 

Nostalgia can alienate, rather than connect. Idealizing a particular time can cause resentment among those whose experiences were sharply divergent. Not everyone has had a happy childhood, and no period in history has been free of pain, anguish or injustice. 

It is also sobering to realise that nostalgia is often fuelled by dissatisfaction with the present, be it in our personal lives or in the wider socio-political climate. We tend to revert to memories of a simple, uncomplicated childhood, or to an imagined golden era in history to escape the demands of the present and anxieties relating to the future. 

‘Monetizing’ nostalgia 

Nostalgia can be deliberately triggered; and an entire industry cashes in on this very human frailty. While most of it is harmless and enjoyable, we must guard against the tendency to idealize and romanticise the past excessively. Nor should we allow ourselves to be manipulated by canny politicians who promise us ‘the good ol’ days’, in a bid to detract attention from current realities. 

You can’t have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about yesterday all the time

(Charles Kettering)

References

1. Krystine Batcho. Speaking of Psychology: Does nostalgia have a psychological purpose? (apa.org) 
2. Lottie Miles. The Psychology of Nostalgia: Why Do We Feel a Longing for the Past? - Learning Mind (learning-mind.com)

Happiness

What is happiness? 

Happiness is a state of subjective well-being which includes: 

1. An affective component - A feeling of joy or pleasure
2. A cognitive component - A sense of contentment and satisfaction of living a meaningful life

The Ancient Greeks knew them by the terms hedonia and eudaimonia respectively, and though distinct, the two strongly correlate in people who report being happy. Happiness is, therefore, not about jumping from one joy to another, but also a deeper sense of fulfilment. 

Each one of us is unique and is made happy by a different experience, yet some people tend to be happier than others even through hard times. Do happy people share some common traits? It does appear so. Those who report feeling happy are generally 

1. Open to learning new things 
2. Find joys in the small things in life. 
3. Have healthy relationships. 
4. Have fewer expectations and do not register small annoyances. 
5. Tend to go with the flow. 
6. Practice compassion, gratitude and patience. 
7. Exercise self-care. 

Temperament, personality traits and even genetics may determine our ability to be happy, and external circumstances do play a part, but much is under our personal control. Being aware of small pleasures, maintaining strong and healthy relationships, immersing oneself in challenging activities and finding purpose in life beyond oneself are ways in which we can find and nurture happiness. 

According to Seligman, happiness results from people becoming aware of their own personal strengths, taking ownership of them and living as per these ‘signature strengths’. 

Why happiness is good for us

Happiness is the single-most desired outcome across cultures and a priority for people across the world. 

• It makes for a higher quality of life
• A positive affect tends to improve our problem-solving abilities
• Improves physical health – better cardiovascular health and immune response
• Increases longevity

Association of happiness and wealth 

Most of us tend to associate happiness with wealth, belongings, success and status. However, beyond a point that enables us to fulfil our basic needs (food, shelter, safety and security), money has little correlation with happiness. 

An increase in income is almost always associated with increasing needs and desires, leading to a situation known as the hedonic treadmill, with no resultant increase in happiness. Indeed, there is a theory that each of us have a ‘set point’ of happiness, and quickly adapt to good or bad circumstances, returning to our baseline levels of happiness! 

In conclusion is Immanuel Kant’s wonderful yet simple Rules for Happiness.

 something to do, someone to love, something to hope for

References

• The Psychology, Theory, and Science of Happiness (+ 16 Best Articles) (positivepsychology.com)
• Psychology of Happiness - Psychologist World
• Happiness | Psychology Today