For those who did NOT allow any screen time before two-years-old...

[Anonymous]

How did you introduce screen time and what did you start with? Also how did you limit it and how much time a day did you allow at two?

Our nanny thinks we should let DS watch on our laptops only so we bring them to work with us and he can't possibly ask to watch something when the devise is gone. Our pediatrician suggested we let him play educational games on the library computer only. I am happily looking forward to showing him "Winnie The Pooh" and other childhood favorites.

Also, did your child's interest in reading decrease when you introduced screens?

[Anonymous]

Kids don't lose interest in reading because of reasonable, limited screen time. I started with short YouTube videos of nursery songs and things like that.

[Anonymous]

We started with Elmo videos and Pocoyo on a phone or iPad. For us it sort of self limited because they weren't interested in watching more than 20 minutes or so at 2. For my kids, at least, they didn't start watching longer shows or movies until 3, closer to 4.

No impact on interest in books.

[Anonymous]

We started at three-years-old (so DS had better manual dexterity than he had at two) and did start with library computer games for learning the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, reading, etc. since he could work the mouse and some typing.

He has never lost his love of books or playing sports because of screen time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids don't lose interest in reading because of reasonable, limited screen time. I started with short YouTube videos of nursery songs and things like that.

+1.

[Anonymous]

You are overthinking this, lol.

[Anonymous]

We started with Peppa Pig at three. Very cute. DD loved it!

[Anonymous]

We did about 20 minutes of screen time on the laptop I take to work with me. I think it did make things easier for our nanny who was (still is) opposed to any TV at all.

[Anonymous]

Why are you letting your nanny give you guidelines on this? This area really is insane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you letting your nanny give you guidelines on this? This area really is insane.

We allow our nanny to speak and have opinions. We like to treat her as an intelligent human with decades more experience than we have with children.

So sad you think that is "insane".

[Anonymous]

I'm the nanny of a two year old who has very limited screen time. He's allowed to watch when he's sick and on the iPad when they are traveling. Watching on the regular TV never causes a problem. When it's off he doesn't think about it, and if he does ask for a movie, I just tell him no and suggest and alertnate activity. It's okay to set boundaries for your kids without having to remove the temptation from the house!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the nanny of a two year old who has very limited screen time. He's allowed to watch when he's sick and on the iPad when they are traveling. Watching on the regular TV never causes a problem. When it's off he doesn't think about it, and if he does ask for a movie, I just tell him no and suggest and alertnate activity. It's okay to set boundaries for your kids without having to remove the temptation from the house!

SAHM here - but it is far easier and with less tantrum-producing-possibilities if the devise goes to work with Dad.

[Anonymous]

We started around 4 when he started to take an interest in sports. We let him watch soccer or basketball with us (or the Olympics). A little later we discovered Peppa Pig.
No computer or "educational games" until he was introduced to them in elementary school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We started around 4 when he started to take an interest in sports. We let him watch soccer or basketball with us (or the Olympics). A little later we discovered Peppa Pig.
No computer or "educational games" until he was introduced to them in elementary school.

OP here. DS loves watching kids and adults play soccer or basketball in the park. I mean - LOVES - he claps and shouts "hurrah"! He is going to be two next month and I wonder if that is something he might enjoy more than programs or educational games. Plus I read that the images don't flash as fast in televised sports as they do with something like "Sesame Street".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the nanny of a two year old who has very limited screen time. He's allowed to watch when he's sick and on the iPad when they are traveling. Watching on the regular TV never causes a problem. When it's off he doesn't think about it, and if he does ask for a movie, I just tell him no and suggest and alertnate activity. It's okay to set boundaries for your kids without having to remove the temptation from the house!

SAHM here - but it is far easier and with less tantrum-producing-possibilities if the devise goes to work with Dad.

Yes, that does make life easier, but I don't believe it's what is best for your child in the long run. They should learn to respect limits and that no means no without throwing a giant fit. Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.