Q: When my daughter does her homework, she also has open 5 other computer programs at the same time. How will this affect her schoolwork?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Posts Categorized: Ask the Mediatrician
My whole family enjoys Guitar Hero, but I’m concerned about the lyrics – what should I do?
Q: We’re having a lot of fun playing Guitar Hero as a family, but I’m concerned about the lyrics in many of the songs. Do you have any ideas for optimizing the benefits of playing together while minimizing the negatives?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Is there anything wrong with letting my 18-month-old watch the episode of Sesame Street that he loves?
Q: My very active 18-month-old loves one particular episode of Sesame Street. Although I know children under two should be discouraged from watching TV, is it harmful for him to watch Sesame Street?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
My 9 year old is imitating Michael Jackson’s dance moves, how can I talk to him about it?
Q: My 9 year old son has recently started imitating Michael Jackson’s dance moves (crotch grabbing and all!). I don’t think he understands what he’s doing; how can I explain to him in a sensitive way what those moves mean?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
My local movie theatre offers “mom & baby” showtimes, should I go?
Q: There is a movie theatre near my home that has afternoon shows for moms, where they put out a changing table in the theater and don’t lower the lights all the way—but then they show very adult movies. What effect does being exposed to these movies have on infants and toddlers, most of whom are not talking yet?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Will watching telenovelas harm my 2 year old?
Q: My husband and I immigrated to the US in 2003 and often watch telenovelas with our 2 year old son. How will I know if they affect him negatively?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Are any computer games okay for my 7 year old?
Q: Are there any good computer games for my 7 year old daughter?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
Aren’t the lessons in violent or sexual media damaging regardless of how graphic they are?
Q: My 10 & 12-year-old children want to go to PG-13 and R rated movies with their friends, but I don’t think the sexual innuendo and violence “goes over their heads” – does it?
Answered by Dr. Michael Rich, The Mediatrician
