More reason to read to your kids.

We all know how valuable story-telling sessions are. Reading to your young child is not just good for bonding and fun, it is also linked to better academic performance down the road. Now, researchers say reading is important for mastering language — particularly the English language.

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How much TV is too much?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has had a long-standing guideline on TV viewing for children. The AAP recommends no television for kids under age 2; and for kids 2 to 6 years old, television or computer time should be limited to no more than 2 hours per day.

In our house, we give our kids the two-hours per day media diet. Though admittedly, on weekends they get more screen time — since a movie is often one of our Saturday treats. My husband used to tell me the 2-hour a day rule was too stringent. To which I say, let’s take it from the experts.

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Let it run wild!

My son runs around and spends hours at a time as Superman or a T Rex. Sometimes he is Michael Jackson or a member of super rock group Queen. My daughter has several costume changes throughout the day as she goes from cheerleader, to princess, to rock star. Laundry is more work than usual, but I give in because….

Kids are hardwired to be imaginative, and the fantasies start exploding when they reach the toddler years. If you have a toddler or preschooler at home, you may find yourself being invited into their make-believe world. Just the other day I was a client in my daughter’s hair salon! Starting age 2, a child’s imagination starts to evolve, along with the increasing ability for abstract thinking. Experts advice us to support this aspect of their development.

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Watch it! Television food temptations are bound to be unhealthy.

Tune in on Nickelodeon and pay close attention to the food ads. In case you haven’t already noticed, most of these ads targeted to kids are promoting unhealthy food choices. About 80 percent of food ads on the Nick TV channel feature foods of poor nutritional quality, according to a survey by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) based in Washington.

It’s another challenge to hurdle, trying to get your kids to eat oatmeal for breakfast when those Froot Loops and other sugary cereals look so good on TV!

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Too much daytime/daycare TV?

A recent UPI report says children in home-based daycare centers watched television for an average 2.4 hours a day, while children in centers-based daycare watched for only 0.4 hours. That’s a big difference.

The study is worth looking into as majority of US preschoolers are typically in a day care situation. The findings are also worth considering if you are looking for quality daycare for your own child. And if your child already goes to daycare, do you know how much TV time she’s really getting?

Too much TV is not good for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no television for children below age 3. After age 3, they say children should only watch a maximum of two hours quality programming per day.

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Now Showing: Your Preschooler at the Movies!

Is your little one ready for that first movie date? If he’s past the age of 3, then maybe he’s ready for the cinema experience – complete with dark theatre, big screen and popcorn.

I say maybe because all kids are different. Some children this age can already focus more than an hour for a movie. Some cannot. Some will be bothered or fearful of odd-looking characters. Some may be fascinated. Age is a rough guide really, as much of this first foray into the theatre will also depend on your child’s temperament, interests and quirks.

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The video may be called Baby Einstein, but it’s not going to make your child a genius. That’s why Disney is giving your money back.

Owners of Baby Einstein videos purchased between June 5, 2004 and September 4, 2009 are entitled to get their money back. Baby Einstein DVDs can also be traded in for a Baby Einstein book or CD. Another option is a 25 percent discount on future Baby Einstein purchases. The Disney Company offer is good up to March 4, 2010.

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Educational videos are not going to make your baby smarter.

A lot of educational DVDs are being marketed to make babies brainier, improve their vocabulary and make them talk early. But a new study affirms what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has claimed all along – that children under the age of 2 do not benefit from watching television. And this includes educational programs.

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