Toddler Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that excessive screen time can hinder toddlers' ability to self-entertain or engage in imaginative play. I noticed this with my daughter, Emily—screen use left her overstimulated and less interested in creative activities.

While I cherish our time together, I also value moments when she can entertain herself. One of my greatest joys is watching her happily play with her dolls or flip through her books independently. Playtime is crucial for children—it’s when they learn, take risks, make mistakes, and try again.

That’s why we’ve made a conscious decision to eliminate screen time from our daily routine.

Why You Should Avoid TV for Infants and Toddlers: Expert Insights

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends minimizing screen exposure for children under the age of 2. Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, and studies show that children learn best through hands-on interaction with people, not screens. Early exposure to TV has been linked to shorter attention spans and delayed development in problem-solving and communication skills.

Dr. Jenny Radesky, a pediatrician specializing in child development, emphasizes that unstructured, interactive play is essential for toddlers. It fosters creativity and helps develop social, verbal, and cognitive skills. The AAP guidelines suggest that if parents introduce digital media to children between 18 and 24 months, it should be high-quality content, and parents should co-view to help their children understand what they’re seeing.

From Minimal TV to No TV: My Journey as a Work-From-Home Mom

As a work-from-home mom, balancing work and childcare can be especially challenging—particularly when Emily’s recurring ear infections kept her home from school. Initially, I used TV as a quick distraction to manage work, but I soon noticed it was dampening her creativity and focus.

Curious about the impact, I decided to cut out TV completely, and the change was remarkable. Emily’s engagement in imaginative play blossomed, and her ability to focus improved dramatically. Her speech development also surged—a coincidence, could be, but a welcome and significant shift.

The Benefits of Reducing Screen Time

Many experts agree that too much screen time can limit a child’s ability to entertain themselves, leading to frustration and stifled creativity. Dr. Radesky explains, “It teaches children how to cope with frustration and control their impulses. If young children are constantly being stimulated by screens, they forget how to rely on themselves or others for entertainment.”

Through my personal experience, I learned that eliminating screen time brought a host of benefits to Emily’s development. If you’re a parent facing similar challenges, it may be worth experimenting with reducing screen time and encouraging more interactive, imaginative play. You might find that it opens new avenues for growth and creativity in your child’s life.