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tv watching
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Anonymous
| I think that was a great day. TV watching can be just quiet down time for a child before they move on to the next thing. As long as they do a variety of things, as your child did, I wouldn't worry about it at all. Don't feel guilty and ignore the mean people. |
Anonymous
| tv was our babysitter growing up! in fact, just last night I remembered my mom used to take all 4 of us to toys r us and let us run around for about an hour - with her nowhere in sight. Things were so different back then! I hate the pressure and guilt we feel because we NEED to keep our children acitvely engaged with an interactive activity at all times. I can understand not plopping an infant in front of the tube, but I think an older toddler can learn a lot from educational programming. And sometimes, parents just need a break or need to get things done around the house. As with everything, moderation is key! |
Anonymous
| I agree w/ the PP. My mom was a SAHM when we were young but she spent her days doing housework mostly. She would put us in front of the TV so she could clean, cook, do laundry etc. Granted it was Sesame Street and not much else but we still watched it for a good 2 hrs everyday. Back then, moms really didn't entertain the kids that much nor was there an expectation that they should be doing that. We spend lots of time outside too (mostly unsupervised once we got into school). There were no classes to take or playdates to go to. She just sent us outside to play. My son watches TV everyday and I don't worry about it. I just make sure he is watching something appropriate for his age and he does other things during the day too. When we got older, we would come home from school and watch a good 2 hrs of TV while doing our homework. My brother and I both have Master's degress and are normal people so I am not sure why TV has become this evil thing. Everything in moderation. |
Anonymous
You're absolutely right. The problem with parenting around here is that there are a lot of parents who approach it like a science experiment or recipe. If you take one child, never let him eat sugar or have treats, never watch television, shelp child from one activity to another, never let child have sleep-overs, and ensure that child only goes to high culture events, then child will emerge to attend Harvard and live happily ever after. |
Anonymous
I agree. Let's all have our kids scheduled with activities (taken to by the nanny, of course) so we can feel good about ourselves that our kid is "productive." But when WE get home from work, we will plop in front of the TV or a magazine b/c WE need our down time, but of course, a toddler doesn't need any... it's RUN! RUN! RUN! |
Anonymous
That is actually why we let DS watch TV. He has a long day in kindergarten (and before kindergarten, he was in a mix of daycare and preschool) -- why shouldn't he have time to just do NOTHING? Not every waking minute has to be "productive" (a ridiculous concept for young children). It's also why we allow only one class/activity on weekends -- there's time we as parents need to be doing errands or cleaning the house/yard and a child doesn't need to be constantly "engaged" in some activity. Kids need time to play by themselves however they see fit or, yes, just relax with some TV -- just like grown-ups do. |
Anonymous
| I let my kids watch tv everyday. They also play outside, read and generally enjoy being a kid. I feel for the kids that never ever watch tv. OP, 2 hours of tv is not hurting your child. Sounds like you are a great mommy. Look at all the wonderful things you did with your child. |
Anonymous
I agree, and kids need time to relax too. I have met plenty of kids whose parents are the constant activity people, and those kids are horrendous when they aren't totally catered to and entertained. Destroy the house, etc. It's like they don't know how to just "be." |
Anonymous
| I think TV is fine but just wanted to add that I think kids need "down time" without the TV as well so they have time to exercise their imagination. Yeah, they can do this with activities, but I'm talking about letting their mind go in a random, non-focused direction. |
Anonymous
I am so sick of the guilt! Last week, a co-worker was absolutely shocked that I allow my 19 month old daughter to watch tv. I am so glad that others feel that tv is ok and I also remember my mother putting me in front of the tv or sending me outside when she had stuff to get done in the house. |
Anonymous
| You know we took DS (just turned 2) to Madagascar II (his first movie out) last weekend AND we also watched part I with him that morning (so around 4 hours of TV/MOVIE!). We all had fun and DS has been referring to "lion-zebra" all week (talking about the animals, singing/dancing to "I like to move it move it"). I don't think we hurt him any... |
Anonymous
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And all the angels sang, ALLELUIA!!! The honesty and candor on page 2 is so refreshing! I was going to out myself if no one did, until I got to the second page and then all the honest moms chimed in... roflmao!
I too was raised on um, Tom & Jerry, Popeye, Casper the Friendly Ghost, and let's not forget my beloved Scooby Dooooooo!! Mixed with a twice daily dose of Sesame Street and AWESOME Electric Company. Guess what? I taught myself how to read at age 3. My mom was a teacher and refused to try to teach me until I was ready. Turns out I must have taught myself. And yeah, college educated in finance and pulling down 6 figures before I quit to stay home! Guess tv isn't the brain rot people make it out to be. With so many educational choices on PBS and Noggin, I don't mind letting DS3 watch an hour of TV twice a day while I get things done. He is about to start reading too. Oh, that rant felt so good! Thanks again for the candor ladies! |
Anonymous
| Oh my god, I watched General Hospital from DAY ONE with ciggs being blown in my face. I think I am friggin' parent of the year b/c my kids may watch one hour a day, and that is for the 19 mos. too! |
Anonymous
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i wonder what kind of tv show gets a 3yo hypnotized for 3 yours...
your son must have a problem... |
Anonymous
| And it's back! |