To the Editor:
The controversy over television for preschoolers and infants (news article, May 25) is just the latest in the series of pronouncements of experts clashing with the reality of parents.
Yes, there are better things to do with very young children than plop them in front of a television. But the problem isn't that parents do that to grab some space for themselves; it's that the activity is marketed as educational. It isn't.
It could be, if parents sat down and commented about the television show the way they do when they read a book with their youngster. But that doesn't happen because parents are just pleased to have a safe activity for their youngster that doesn't involve them.
So, let's get real. Parents, it's O.K. for your little ones to watch some gentle television. Not too much, not to take away from important play-together time. But don't be fooled into thinking that your infant will learn much, if anything.
Experts need to understand the reality of day-to-day parenting, and the need to take a break from being on call 24/7.
Neala S. Schwartzberg
Roslyn Heights, N.Y., May 25, 2006
The writer is the editor of a newsletter about parents and preschoolers.