To Watch TV or YouTube?

So, I began mommy hood saying that Arianna's eyes would not gaze upon a television until she was 2 years old. That's the suggestion of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The group strongly recommends through their TV viewing guidelines that children should not watch TV until they are 2 years old because of various downsides. One, in particular, says that television lessens a child's ability to focus and more likely to eat junkfood.
Ok, so maybe I'm skewing these guidelines a bit. Arianna loves youtube while she's getting her hair combed or just to watch the same ABC, 123 and Sesame Street videos. Of course, she also loves her flashcards. But I must say - since 15months, she's been able to read (not just sing or repeat) the entire alphabet and her numbers from 1-10! As far as junk food - she hasn't eat meat and rarely has cheese on her veggies. Yes, I'm raising her to be a vegan like her mommy. I'm a strong believer that this will not damage her; like many believe or like to judge. Based on her regular pediatrician appointments, Arianna is extremely fit and I should keep doing what I'm doing.
Lastly, we should remember that all children are different. For some reason, we have a tendency to raise children based on what professionals and nonprofessionals suggest.
Ok, this is the last comment...how do you feel about television and children under 2yrs old? Of course, it should not be used as a babysitter, but are there "loop holes" to this study?

The Beginning

I'm great at starting something but struggle with keeping the excitement going. I've come to the conclusion that I'm at my best when I'm organized. This means, I must be equipped with a calendar, laundry complete, kitchen clean....I mean, I may have a disorder, but that's me. The ironic thing is that with an infant in the home, these things are rarely accomplished simultaneously.

So, I'm starting this blog to stay organized with my research and experience with my daughter's child development. Arianna just made 14months and this is a great time to help her soak up everything necessary to develop as a happy exploratory little girl. Yes, she's my pride and joy and taking on another project, outside of my PhD program, is worth the sleepless nights.

Many thanks to my childhood friend, Dr. C. James for directing me to Montessori methods for the home. She's an outstanding psychologist, has three children of her own and a model for all things done in excellence and with a smile:-)

My first post is just a mention of my first book: Montessori From The Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three.

I've already learned that ages 0 to 3 are extremely important years for child development. Dr. Montessori "realized that the natural drive of young children provided the focus and energy for their self-development." (Lillard & Jessen, p. 6)

I'm excited about what's to come for us both as I research, she learns, and we see the rewards of Montessori in the home.

Here's your Montessori Quote of the day: (Courtesy of http://www.montessoriblog.com/

"The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that precedes or follows in the whole life of the child."  

- Maria Montessori