During this level toddler can benefit by viewing some television or video programs. Television and video gives her an ideal opportunity to listen to and interpret language. Because television is not multi-sensual (it is only seen and heard and not felt, smelt or tasted, and it does not require any physical activity) and is a passive activity (that is the child does not take an active part in it) its developmental value is limited.  Fifteen to thirty minutes each day is sufficient for children at this level and the shows must be of a high language standard. Suitable television shows are usually hosted by one or two happy, talented and child loving adults, include singing, music, art and craft, animal and nature segments and very little (if any) animation. There are ideally no advertisements. Most advertisements directed at children at the time of writing promote poor quality food products and/or are presented in ways that promote psychologically unhealthy ideas such as competitiveness, ‘put downs’ and poor behaviour.  These problems are described in more detail in the book Magnificent Behaviour. It is essential to stay with toddler and watch and listen to the show she is viewing so you can explain about inaccurate information, traumatic events or other matters if they arise (hopefully they won’t). If you avoid allowing toddler to watch television or video programs to the point of boredom then she is likely to benefit in the future by being able to sit through long shows and enjoy them (while her peers are likely to lose concentration). A three-year-old can, for example, watch over two hours of ballet with sustained interest if she is well prepared for it by using the magnificentparent.com methods.

Correcting inaccurate information includes explaining to toddler that; the person in a Supergirl suit cannot really fly, girls can be just as strong as boys, people in bear suits are people in bear suits, and when one clown calls another silly she is trying to make people laugh and does not understand that “silly” is unfriendly language and a ‘put down’. Traumatic events can include a story about a witch wanting to cook children in her oven and eat them (Hansel and Gretel), a film segment showing a baby lamb, pig or other animal getting pushed off the breast by a sibling, or one person calling another person ‘silly’ or ‘stupid’. Television can be very helpful for toddler’s development and education at this Level, but it requires your constant attention and is not suitable as a baby sitter. Other suitable television or video shows can include wild animal and nature shows, travel documentaries and science shows about inventions, physics, surgery or chemistry.