We have written several times about the harmful effects of screens on children, the latest being “screen addiction as the disease of the twenty-first century.” Now we will address whether there are harmful effects in developing this habit, as well as what consequences it can have on a child’s development.
A habit is an automated action we repeat voluntarily, and it can be either good or bad. Parents play an important role in developing children’s habits. It should also be kept in mind that once a habit is formed, it is difficult to eradicate and requires time.
Feeding children can take a lot of time. The child chews a lot, plays with food, refuses to open their mouth, or eats one spoonful in two parts, so you put the spoon back and fill it again, and often they don’t even finish what’s on the plate. This leads parents to the idea of introducing cartoons while feeding. The restless child suddenly becomes calm, and the plate is emptied in no time. Since the child eats well, they are sometimes given extra food which they don’t actually need because they already ate enough. Parents are happy they managed to feed the child quickly and easily, but they are completely unaware of the consequences this habit can cause. Watching television at an early age has many consequences for development, and if we add cartoons during meals, we only increase the number of hours the child spends in front of the TV.
Research has shown that children who watch TV while eating are highly predisposed to develop other bad habits throughout life. This habit most often results in obesity (because the child eats more than necessary), attention disorders, social withdrawal, and slowed motor skills. Therefore, feeding in front of the TV should be avoided even if it seems like the only way.
There are many problems that arise from this habit:
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Overeating – The child is hypnotized by what’s happening on the screen and eats more than needed. Research shows that watching TV during meals distracts attention from what’s on the plate and how much should be eaten, so more food is consumed than necessary;
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Distraction – Watching TV and eating interfere with the brain’s functioning. It sends wrong signals unrelated to the senses of taste and enjoyment of food;
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Slowed metabolism and digestive problems;
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Lack of interaction with family members – Usually, mealtime is a time when family connects and talks, but with the TV on, this interaction is missing.
Eating and watching TV do not go together and are harmful to both health and emotional development. Therefore, as a parent, it is essential not to develop this habit in your child. The kitchen should be a place where the ritual of eating takes place. Set a place where your child will sit. Every meal should happen in the kitchen, even if at first the child does not understand or know this, they will gradually understand what it means to come to the kitchen. You should also be an example to your child. Avoid eating in front of the TV. Make an effort to always eat lunch or dinner together. A child best develops habits by observing positive examples.