Standing close to the TV?

Is it normal for a toddler to stand practically with their nose pressed against the telly to watch it? Ashleigh does all the time and we are forever telling her to step back. I think it is normal for her age but DH just said maybe we should get her eyes checked after he heard an ad on the radio saying it was a sign of bad eyesight. I am short sighted and got my first pair of glasses when I was 8 or 9 so I hope she doesn't inherit that from me!

ETA we also have a 42" plasma so I am also concerned that it might actually be damaging her eyes being so close to it.

Edited by KH25

Dominic does it too. He literally plasters himself to the screen. He's even been known to give the telly kisses and cuddles! That makes it sound like he watches a lot of tv when he really only watches In The Night Garden.

I think it's a common toddler thing, to want to get as close as possible. Still, my DH is very short-sighted and it's something that I'm always nervous about. I would keep encouraging her to stand back (for her eyes' sake) but also check out if she is having difficulty seeing distance by watching what she can see in a book which is not too close, and pointing out things when you are outside to see if she notices the further away things.

Amy does that too - and it is like she is in a trance too sometimes . She was given a little seat (All Blacks armchair) for her first birthday by my BIL and family, so that is her 'special' chair and it is where we encourage her to sit if she is watching TV. She is pretty good about it as it is her place. .