Turning Off TV

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Nancy Duggin: Turn off TV and talk to your toddler
By NANCY DUGGIN
DNJ Columnist

Just yesterday, a parent shared that she wished she had the courage to do what Kelly Ripa on "Regis & Kelly" did concerning television viewing in her home. Apparently, Kelly does not allow her children to watch television during the week. When her talk show co-host Regis Philbin asked her why, she said she wanted her children to learn there are countless other enjoyable things to do — things like reading, playing board games, exercising and playing with siblings in- and out-of-doors.

I say "three cheers" for Kelly. May we all take heed and reflect on the amount of time our children are viewing television and missing out on some other wonderful life experiences.

We've been talking about language development in young children. It is difficult to build language skills if adults are not engaging children in daily conversations. Although television and video viewing will keep children entertained and occupied, children need to be interacting at greater levels with responsible adults — namely their parents.

Developing a growing and meaningful vocabulary in young children is not difficult but does take thought on the part of the parent. If you have a 2- to 4-year-old, consider the following:

# Use proper grammar that is both clear and simple for your child to model.

# Repeat what your child said while building and expanding is a great way to increase their understanding of vocabulary. (For example: "Mommy play? Yes, Mommy will play with you. What would you like to play?")

# Refrain from using baby talk. If your 2-year-old says, "I want wa-wa." Say, "Mommy will be happy to get Jason some water."

# Have fun helping your child understand and ask questions. "Is the sun shining? Are you a girl? Can our puppy fly?" Yes/no games are fun for young children and are filled with meaningful learning. Can your 4-year-old trick you with a yes/no question?

# Asking questions that require a choice are also appropriate and moves your child into making decisions. "Do you want an orange or a bowl of grapes?" "Do you want Daddy to read you a book or tell you a story?"

# Continue to sing songs, recite nursery rhymes and read, read, read to your child daily. These are the best ways to clearly illustrate the rhythm and pattern of speech.

# Give your child your full attention when he attempts to communicate with you.

# Make sure you have your child's attention before you begin to speak.

# Talk about spatial relationships with your 2- to 4-year-old (up/down, on/off, under/over, and first/middle/last).

# Talk with your child everywhere you go, using complete sentences and accurate vocabulary. Trips to the grocery store are ideal for building vocabulary use and understanding. Discuss size (large, small, tiny), names and colors of fresh fruits and vegetables, shapes (long, oval, round, square), weight (heavy or light) of cans and packaged goods.

Laugh with your child today. Get nose-to-nose with your young child, hugging him, telling him you love him. Tell her she has a beautiful smile and how much you love to hear her laugh. Let her know you love being her mother or father.

Nancy Youree Duggin of Murfreesboro is a National Board-certified educator and consultant.