BabyWhispererForums.com
ACTIVITY => Activity Time & Toddler Activity => Topic started by: ~Emma~ on May 21, 2010, 14:46:16 pm
-
Be honest....how much tv do your LO's watch in a day?
We have been relying on it quite heavily with all thats been going on and DS loves it. In all honesty now we are just being lazy, its sure fire entertainment though and so easy to fall back on, especially now I'm getting big and fat!
I am ashamed to say that DS currently watches for an hour in the morning while I clean up and he watches for an hour before bed, just loves in the night garden! I have been really guilty of throwing him in front of it in the middle of the day for a half hour too if I've got phonecalls to make or chores to do. I feel its getting excessive!!
-
Stan usually watches 15-30 mins in the morning while we get him dressed and do skin creams and his bag ready for nursery. He watches in the evening as well - at least 10-15 mins, often much longer - like up to an hour :(
He is so shattered after nursery, it is easy to plonk him in front of the TV with his snack to fill in the time before bed/bath. I do feel guilty though and try to limit it.
His dad is TERRIBLE for watching a whole movie with him at the weekends. I mean once in a while I don't mind, like on a rainy day where we can all snuggle up and watch something together, but I don't want it to be a habit.
-
My DD watches cbeebies or milkshake in the morning whilst I get ready etc so about 15-30mins. Then 5-10 mins before bed (she also loves in the night garden!!).
I do use it sometimes before tea if she is starving and needs a distraction whilst I cook!
Oh and times like these right now when she is poorly and just thrown up on the sofa!!!! Nice!!!!
x
-
Lots of links here:
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=143262.msg1578178#msg1578178
-
Marisa (almost 5) watches 30-60 minutes a day, save for the rare occasion she watches a whole movie (but that's REALLY rare, like 1-2 times a year). DS tends to watch 15-30 minutes, most of it with her or while I'm cooking, etc.
-
Hmmm I am worse than the lot of you :-[
TV is never on throughout the day (radio is though, I like some background noise!) But it is on from the minute she gets up (Playhouse Disney unfortunately) for a good couple of hours whilst we have brek (which is in the kitchen, no TV, but it's still on in the living room) potter around, change nappy etc. The thing is, DD never just sits and watches it, she plays with her toys, we read a book or 10 within half an hour of her getting up (and she DOES pay attention to the book despite TV being on) So it's never really worried me kwim?! Perhaps it's on so much she's totally bored of it!! And then by the end of the day sometimes she'll actually sit to watch 10/15 mins when she is tired, but I don't mind that either. We always talk about what's going on, what colour is that, what animal is that etc...OK I know I sound like I am totally trying to excuse myself now!! But I confess, the TV is on a lot more than it probably needs to be.
x
-
Yeah, the tv is on a lot more here too than I'd like to admit. :-[ Especially since the baby has arrived. I go through phases where it bothers me and I try to be more strict with it, but at some point I always cave and put it on. T doesn't usually sit and watch it though, but I find if he's driving me nuts in another room and I start singing the theme song to one of his favorite shows that's on, he'll go running to it and leave me alone, although he won't often stay away! :P Anyways, I used to worry about it a lot more but I know he's a happy, active kid that would rather be outside or doing other fun stuff anyway, so I'm sure the tv he does watch isn't going to really hurt him.
-
i find it really varies, but mostly i am worse than you guys :-[ :-\
if it is raining and we are home all day then it is probably on quite a bit with dd either watching it or not but if it's sunny and we are out then much much less or none at all. last winter when i was home with both of them and a young baby it was on way more than i wanted it to be. some days this spring or last summer i can honestly say none.
as charlibob does, it tends to be on in the background and dd sort of watches it as she putters around and plays with her toys or looks at books, not sure how much watching she actually does she's a pretty busy kid. it is for sure on while i get ready in the morning 15-20 min. if dd doesn't have a nap we have quiet time and this is usually watching a few shows (she really loves dora), if she does have a nap then i have to wake her up and she's such a bad waker upper that i usually put a show on then too to help the process. and another 30 min at least while i make dinner.
so on average maybe 2 hours but sometimes much less.
for those of you with kids age 2ish sesame street has a good website with some games for young kids. "video games" sort of. they can push the buttons and see elmo singing head and shoulders or twinkle twinkle. dd gets a kick out of it but it's not an independent type of play, she needs help.
-
See, when it is on here, Stan is totally transfixed by it. Mesmerised. It is hard to get his attention away. I think that's why I try hard to limit it (don't always do so well though especially on grey rainy days like today).
-
Yup, its just such an easy 'get of jail free' card! Es[ecially when you are home all day long and its rainy outside. :)
-
if it is raining and we are home all day then it is probably on quite a bit with dd either watching it or not but if it's sunny and we are out then much much less or none at all. last winter when i was home with both of them and a young baby it was on way more than i wanted it to be. some days this spring or last summer i can honestly say none.
We're like this too Brenda :-[ :-[
More than I would ideally like but when you have a small house work four days a week and have SO much to do at weekends... well you know the drill. Not great but sometimes you have more important things that need to be done without a toddler hanging off your leg. :-\
-
you know sometimes i think we are way too hard on ourselves over t.v time.Some childrens programs can be v.eduational,i know my ds learnt to count by withing mickey mouse club house,spanish words from watching Dora etc.
i guess im saying dont beat yourself up over it.we all strive to be the 'perfect' parent with lots of 'shouldnts' in the back of our minds.As long as its not excessive its no big deal!! (she says as she turns the t.v off!!!!) lol!
-
You're right Lucy. I think also if you are having conversations with them about what they can see/hear etc then that's gotta be good - at least then there's some interaction ???
-
Oscar is another one who is transfixed by it.
We use it as a reward for good behavoiur at teatime and bathtime....he gets his fave cartoons - Roary the Racing Car and Chuggington from 6.30 to 7pm and then its telly off.
In the mornings, UGH, thats another story! In order to keep him quiet so that Emma and DH can sleep,and I can get ready for work, well...I stick the headphones on him and he watches playhouse disney - handy manny and oso special - from 6.20 till we leave at 7am, as he chugs down a bowl of cheerios and a handful of raisins!!! this has become our routine even at the weekends so we all get some zzzzs and escape Ozzie's EWs!
S x
-
It is hard to say what is best. Tvs and computers are so prevalent now.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend any tv watching until the age of two, here in the states. In the book "The Minds of Boys", it gives the stat that for every hr of tv watched (on a daily basis; so like an hr a day, two hrs, three hrs), the risk of adhd goes up by 10% for every hr. It states that the fast pace of the tv screen does not allow for the brain to develop certain areas. :o
I think you can probably find some books or google, then make your decision as an educated parent. The net is not always the best for solid research info. "The Minds of Boys" is a great read regarding how boys learn.
I used signing time videos with H (20-30 min a day), because they helped so much with his signing. I think if you are selective and not overboard you are fine.
-
The tv is often on way too much in our house and I know with baby DD it's likely to be excessive soon, but tbh DS watches for a while then wanders off while I sit there watching it......LOL
-
We have between 0 and 3 10 min programmes in the morning (depending on a) how quickly we need to get out of the house and b) how chipper I'm feeling!) - I do really need the time while they are distracted to clear up from breakfast etc, but this is the only time of day that I let them watch tv on their own. We normally have 1 or 2 programmes after nap, as dd1 *needs* 30 mins to wake up otherwise she is just a bear, and then there is tv after supper - 10-20 mins - and 2 programmes after bath. So on a really bad day, dd1 will watch a couple of hours (which is quite unusual these days as they play more together), but dd2 doesn't really watch it. I try to make a real point of sitting with them while they watch, though, so that we can talk about what's on and have nice snuggle time.
-
You know I've often wondered with those studies on TV and ADHD - is it the telly "causing" ADHD or is it desperate Mums using the telly to get some quiet time away from hyper kids?
-
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend any tv watching until the age of two, here in the states.
I used to be fanatic about no TV because of this (even though I am in UK!) but I in the end (as I am really controlling!) did research into the research that made them make that recommendation in the first place and after doing loads of reading I was less convinced at the validity of the recommendation. I have a link that went through all the info and will post it when i find it.
DD has been watching much more TV recently than I would like. I have cut it right back now but when I was having really bad morning sickness she watched a lot more than usual. More on rainy days than good days etc.
What I learned from the research was it wasn't so much the TV that led to issues but the other lifestyle issues as well and that the lack of brain dev was based on LOs who watched TV all day long every day. THese kids typically had poor diets, poor interaction with parents, poor socialisation opportunities etc as well as watching TV every waking hour. The other thing they stressed was the age appropriateness of shows was a big factor in TV being an issue vs not being an issue!
In my mind if DD watches TV for x amount of time every day but the rest of the day she is engaged with me doing puzzles, colouring, games and then just chatting throughout the day during dressing, meals, household chores and then being out and about throughout the week. She spends time just pottering about and playing by herself too. I decided to take the pressure off myself. I engage with M alot of the time. Most of the day infact. I know in that time she watches TV is a time for her to chill out and gives me 20 minutes to recharge and sit down and gives me the energy for the next few hours.
I am learning to give myself a break!! There are worst things that watching a bit of TV. Us mummies and our LOs need a break sometimes too! xx
-
I am learning to give myself a break!! There are worst things that watching a bit of TV. Us mummies and our LOs need a break sometimes too! xx
Absolutely!
-
thanks shiv for that post, some good reminders for us to give ourselves a break. there are too many things to feel guilty about as moms, 30 min of tv a few times a day shouldn't be one of them!!
-
I know a couple parents that have read quite a bit of research, and they have decided to not have a tv. It is the conclusion they draw from reading the research, and that is more than fine. Let's not forget they are educating themselves and coming to a different conclusion, and that is ok.
While it could be true that the kids with high viewing time and an incidence of adhd may have an additional "constellation of factors" that is not measured (affecting the validity), there is still no definitive causation for adhd. I think it concerns a lot of parents. And the possible adhd link is only one of a number of concerns/reasons why some parents do not let their children watch tv.
Hugs to all; it is a decision that every family makes. Everyone posting has put a bit of time in to considering the level they are comfortable with; that is good. :-)
-
I'll give a "non-scientific" anecdote - my son is very active, probably has quite a few of the criteria for ADHD, has been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. He pretty much didn't watch any telly until he was 2, mainly because he wouldn't sit still! After age 2 I wouldn't let the Tv go on the in the morning, only for a set amount if time in the late afternoon, when he was most hyper and it calmed him down. And not every day either. So maybe 5/6 hours a week in total?
BUt the thing is, he was hyper from birth, my MIL told me she'd never seen a baby so active, he was always kicking his arms and legs about and walked at 9 months. He was BORN that way.
Now my neighbours kids all watched a LOT of telly from birth, I remember when DS1 was small being shocked that her daughter (the same age) was plopped in front of the TV watching baby Einstein while her Mum cooked dinner. She had favourite shows before 1! But all 3 of those kids are still placid and good-natured, they were born that way too. Of course they had lots of non-Tv time, and LOTs of social interaction, their Mum is always out or having friends over.
-
i agree with MLK. ADHD was around before tv was around it just wasn't as prevalently diagnosed or treated. you can draw cause and effect to just about anything if you try hard enough.
-
Yeah agree with Lan too!
My cousin has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and he showed symptoms from birth too. I remember having concerns from 6 months with him, long before he looked near a TV. Same with all the kids I've worked with (I worked with special needs in my past life!). Its tough. The sooner they can either prove or more than likely disprove the link between persuasive dev. delays and ADHD the better. Will give us parents a much better peace of mind with all the other things we beat ourselves up about!
-
Read back through my post and realized it seemed like I was saying that any amount of TV is OK - not what I meant at all! I just think there are other reasons that TV viewing and ADHD are linked - for one thing ADHD kids seem drawn to the extra stimulation it offers.
-
I got what you meant!!!
Here's the link to original article that the AAP based its recommendation on:
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/tvapril.pdf
Just in case any one interested!! But in summary (quoted from the article):
Nevertheless, we have not in fact studied or found an
association between television viewing and clinically
diagnosed ADHD.
we cannot draw causal inferences from
these associations. It could be that attentional problems
lead to television viewing rather than vice
versa.
It is also
possible that there are characteristics associated with
parents who allow their children to watch excessive
amounts of television that accounts for the relation-
ship between television viewing and attentional
problems. For example, parents who were distracted,
neglectful, or otherwise preoccupied might have allowed
their children to watch excessive amounts of
television in addition to having created a household
environment that promoted the development of attentional
problems.
Finally, we had no data on the
content of the television being viewed. Some research
indicates that educational television (eg, Sesame
Street) may in fact promote attention and reading
among school-aged children.24 Others have
disagreed and posited that even such programming
can be detrimental.40 If exposure to certain kinds of
programming is beneficial, even at a very young age,
then our results represent conservative estimates of
the risks of television as a medium in general because
some proportion of the programming may
have moderated the detrimental aspects of others
and deviated the results toward the null. However,
more research is needed on the effects of varying
content of television, particularly for children who
are preschool age.
-
Thanks for that Shiv, clarifies what I suspected.
-
Thanks for taking the time to do that Shiv. Certainly does help to put it all in perspective. ;)
-
For others reading; don't forget to look at the discussion area of the research. Every factor cannot be controled for, as Lan said. Someone with sensory issues would probably show up. Although our little guy has some mild sensory issues like low tone; he does not present any attentional problems. Also, not all parents report attentional problems from birth. So, there are genetics and environmental factors for many kids. Adhd has been the primary focus, but tv has been cited as an issue in increased violence in children, obesity, and the baby einstien study. Is it the only factor in all those issues- no. Could it be a part? You have to decide.
Got to go get H. ;-)
-
Violence and obesity could easily be related to the other environmental factors though, not to mention choice of show. Violent video games are also in the mix. DS1 is a mix of both hypo and hyper sensitive, a lot of his hyperactivity stems from that. I'm not worried about either violence or obesity here, he is neither of those.
I remain to be convinced that kids aren't born with hyperactive traits! Some do grow out of it, do some grow into it? If so, I can only imagine that if there were issues of abuse or neglect.
Basically it's not just the amount of telly watching that's an issue, it's the programs they watch and how they spend the rest of the day. I can see the point in doing the studies, however the parents who feel guilty about it probably have the least to worry and the ones who SHOULD worry probably don't care less!
I just remember going to school with kids who were severely restricted in how much or what they could watch in TV, they were quite resentful for the most part. I guess the control of tv by the parents also spilled over into other areas though so hard to separate.
That said I do restrict the amount of TV he watches - I think he would be better off doing other things with his time. But I don't think 1 hour watching telly while I get dinner ready is going to hurt him.
-
I also said we do watch tv. H doesn't ask to watch tv now that the weather is nice; I am not even restricting it. I am certainly able to be critical of our tv viewing, which is not as good in the winter. I think we all have yet to see studies saying watching tv will whittle your waistline and solve a multitude of other issues, lol.
Some kids actually suffer traumatic brain injury that goes undiagnosed, and it can be a factor in adhd (so falling off a bike, ect). The minds of boys cites this, too, and states that kids getting a diagnosis of adhd should also follow up with brain scans with the neurologist (most of the families I know with some exceptions have done that). Let's not even start a discussion on the over referral of kids for adhd. ;-) So, it doesn't have to be abuse. And in my experience working in the school system, there are a good number of kids that present symptoms later in life and not from birth; who ever can figure it out will be very rich, indeed. Depression in childhood can also look like attentional issues (as we mentioned there can be lots of issues and adhd has a comorbidty rate with other diagnosis, too). The list can go on. As I said, because there is no definitive cause, I am selective about tv.
I think we are on the same page as far as not being able to control for all factors, and advocating for a reasonable amt of tv viewing time and being selective about what kids watch? One of the parents I am mentioning did not have tv as a kid; (I bet there were times he was resentful), but he has decided based on reasearch (he reads a TON) and his experience to have no tv. The other family just decided to not have a tv after a lot of deciding.
Glad we can have a good discussion. As Tracy says, "Start as you mean to go."
-
Basically it's not just the amount of telly watching that's an issue, it's the programs they watch and how they spend the rest of the day. I can see the point in doing the studies, however the parents who feel guilty about it probably have the least to worry and the ones who SHOULD worry probably don't care less!
i totally agree with this.
i actually can see the link between obesity and violence and tv viewing however as said before this would depend on the amount and type of shows viewed. if a child spends all/most of his day watching violent tv shows and video games then i think he/she probably would be obese and violent. however a few hours watching carefully selected shows probably won't have the same result, especially if the rest of his/her time was spent doing physical activity, books, puzzles, imaginary play etc. i think we are all in agreement on that actually, though very good discussion. everything in moderation right?!
-
everything in moderation right?!
Yes :) And DD has had WAY too much TV exposure today :-[ Cr*ppy weather, DH's only day off in 10 so all he wanted to do was lounge around at home, which I can understand....but does the TV have to be on ALL DAY seriously ::) Thankfully it was mostly Sky Sports News so DD had no interest in it anyway. And we ate all our meals together in the kitchen (no TV in there!) so that was nice...
Feel guilty though, tomorrow is going to be a better day! xxx
-
Yes as well as abuse should have included trauma! I remember someone (Deb?) posting a link to a website that dealt with brain injuries, basically saying any blow to the head, however minor, could have possible future consequences.
We have neurological problems in the family (my Dad has Parkinson's, my mum dementia) so I am always a bit paranoid about anything that could potentially damage the brain.
-
on the news tonight there was a review of a study that has linked exposure to pesticides on unwashed fruits and vegetables to ADHD. so again i think they're not finished with researching what actually causes ADHD and there seems to be many causes including being born with it, so even if tv is linked it is just a small part of the picture and parents shouldn't think that if they let their kids watch a bit of tv they will end up with ADHD.
-
Also lack of sleep can be a major factor in children with ADHD. We all know OT can manifest as hyperactivity ;)
-
LOL, well isn't that the TRUTH!
-
That's interesting about the pesticides, it is also liked to Parkinson's as well. Not surprising since they are neurotoxins.
DS1 used to love strawberries and they are one of the worst for pesticides. We got our own plants but he still ate a LOT of shop bought strawberries. We washed them but I since found out they use systemic pesticides on them which can't be washed off!
And I hear you on the OT! If only I colud get him to sleep in an extra hour in the morning...
-
as for the tv issue, i almost wish Caleb would sit still and watch it for me so i could get a break!!! i swear he has favourite shows but he will only watch them for 5 mins and if i walk away to do something, like prepare dinner or do washing etc, he leaves the tv and finds me wihtin 5 mins, but if i sit with him he will sit there for about 8 minutes, but really he just doesnt watch alot of tv. My boy is an outside boy to the bone!
sometimes i leave the tv running on most of the day just because i like the background noise and cant be bothered turning it off and on all the time but Caleb is hardly ever in the room where the tv is, hes usually playing in the dining area or our front lounge where most of his toys are... or he is anywhere i am just wanting my attention! lol
I used to worry about the tv being on as someone did say once that even having it running in the background isnt good but hey if hes not watching it then im not sure how its harming him?
-
i almost wish Caleb would sit still and watch it for me so i could get a break!!!
careful what you wish for. i remember sayign this exact same thing when dd1 was about 15 mo - she would watch but only in passing and always playing and moving while watching. then a few months later she found in the night garden and she would watch the entire 30 min. i was in heaven - in the night garden came on at 4:30 which was perfect for me to make dinner. anyway, now she'll watch hour upon hour ofdora and we have to push her to get up and turn it off. so careful what you wish for! he's just a bit young for it probably.
-
As Tracy said, "Start as you mean to go". I agree with Brenda.
I worked with students in school regarding their academic skills. So many parents would tell me their child would sit spend too much time with the tv (the habit started somewhere, right?), and they would refuse to do homework. I guess that is in the back of my mind also. :-( I am also hoping to avoid a "I'm bored and there's no one to play with, so I will watch tv", also. Pretty unlikely we can do that, but I guess we will give it a shot.
-
I avoided the TV with my two when they were little, esp when they in the tactile exploring stage, mouthing everything. I jsut thought at that stage they needed to learn about the real world and TV wasn't real. Closer to age 2 I let them watch a little Tv, usually 30 mins, and only at a set time a day. That way they learnt it was on for a while, then it was off.
I don't like a quiet house durign the day, os I put the radio on.
I am actually a bit annoyed at DH, on the mornings I get to sleep in he has started to switch the telly on the in the mornings "to keep them quiet". But I've spent years avoiding the telly in the morning!
If the parents can't get the kids to switch off the TV to do homework, well the parents don't set enough limits aroudn the TV - that habit must have started somewhere too! I think if you can teach kids to self regulate TV, starting off by doing it for them when they are little, it's a good thing. Same thing with junk food.
Mind you I have just come back from a birthday party when I have just been "told off" by one of the mothers having the party because DS1 asked for another piece of cake. then we had to leave in a hurry to get his brother down for the nap, so he wanted his lolly bag early and I got "reprimanded" agin. I am feeling really angry!
-
Mind you I have just come back from a birthday party when I have just been "told off" by one of the mothers having the party because DS1 asked for another piece of cake. then we had to leave in a hurry to get his brother down for the nap, so he wanted his lolly bag early and I got "reprimanded" agin. I am feeling really angry!
i think that;s her problem, not yours. reprimanding a kid for wanting another piece of cake? didn't they all want another piece? she's a bit high strung i'd say.
-
LOL, I love cake; can I have two pieces? In all seriousness, sorry Lan. :-( I think they are normal questions for kids to ask...
-
I think she has food control issues! Hope I don't have to see her today at school...
-
Up until about 3-4 months ago, Charla wasn't allowed to watch much TV. Maybe 1-2 hours per week, if that. I've relaxed a bit though and now she usually watches about 45min to 1hr in the morning and maybe another 30min in the afternoon, but not always. She probably averages about 7-8 hours per week. She asks to watch more. There's a princess barbie movie that she loves, she loves Dora, The Wonder Pets, Go Diego Go but I just say the TV needs to stay off and so far she's been fine with that. She's a kid that could sit and watch for a couple hours in a row. In fact, I think DH and I are going to take her to Toy Story 3 in the theater when it comes out! I just don't see the point of her needing to be sitting there for so long. I'm not much of a TV watcher so I would rather take her outside, downstairs, shopping or whatever else than have the TV on.
Once she's older I will relax a bit more and she can more or less decide when she watches TV. I just hope by that time I've taught her that there is much more to do in life than sit in front of shows. TV was never restricted when I was growing up. My brother was more of a watcher than I was but certainly not over the top. Ironically, he has ADD. However, I read awhile back that in order for a child to have ADD one of the parents must have it. There's a strong genetic connection, no?
Lan, why would she care how much cake your kid ate? If she didn't want her kid to have a second piece then fine, but to take offense that your child wanted another, that's just odd! You would think she'd want the other kids to finish the cake off so it was out of her house!
-
I made a joke she was controlling the cake so she coud ltake it home and finish it herself... oops!
I don't think unlimited TV is a good thing, i think it prevents kids from learning to use their imaginations and entertain themselves. BUT I am sceptical that it causes ADHD. If toddlers/kids spend most of the day doing other stuff, I think TV is OK in limited amounts.
-
Lan, I just read the part of your post about the birthday cake to DH and he said "well that's one less she has to invite to her son's party"......
xxLizzie
-
LOL, whenever DS1 is upset with someone he turns around and says -"You're not coming to my birthday party!" Big tension reliever for him!
I saw the mother again at school last week and she was sweet as pie - must have known I was boiling mad!
-
This is a great thread! Thanks for starting it!
I feel EXTREMELY guilty about ANY TV DS watches. He is like Stan and a few others and is hypnotised by it at times!
The reason the guilt is major with me is that I work in a Rudolf Steiner School/Nursery (google it for an idea) and the emphasis is on a natural childhood, non-plastic toys and no noisy toys. Toys that are fairly unformed to encourage imagination and child-led play - we don't direct the children and we let them just get on and play and don't keep butting in. And as for TV - I quote "There is absolutely NO place for TV in the life of a young child (under 7) "
EEEEkkk! I work in this environment every day and it is a lovely place to work - we knit while we watch the children and make bread and all is calm and low key. But the TV business has me torn. Bram watches about 30 mins am and 45 mins evening on Nursery days and more on days at home.
This issue causes me a lot of grief...i should chill out but for 6 years I have had it drummed into me in the Steiner environment.
Nell xxxx