This is National TV Turn-off Week and Park Elementary School celebrated by throwing an old set (sans tube) off the roof. Ever since I saw the photo I’ve had the Red Hot Chili Peppers song “Throw away your television” going through my head (great tune, btw).

We were pretty rigorous about following the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation against regular TV viewing for children younger than 2. But once my son discovered “Dora the Explorer” it was all over. Other programs followed. His current obsession is “Cars” (which I actually find an exceedingly watchable movie. Thank you, Pixar). In short, I can see how easy it is for time in front of the tube to creep up. I admit I worry less than I did as a new parent that TV — any TV — is going to rot his brain. Like everything in life, I think it a matter of degrees. The AAP offers some useful guidelines on kids and TV.

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