Author Topic: watching tv (Read 6614 times)

MadisonC · « **on:** September 30, 2011, 02:31:01 am »

Just wandering if anyone lets there kids watch tv? DS never liked the tv until recently.. he has become obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Junior. He is only allowed to watch a few episodes a day.. which are 20mins each. When I tell people that he has a favorite show he watches daily they look at me like I just handed him a can of pop and a bag of chips (that would never happen BTW!! lol) but honestly during that 20-40mins I get alot stuff done because he is not following me messing up what I am trying to clean lol. Is this awful?

*Becky* · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2011, 13:47:41 pm »

Henry watches TV for sure and I see no problem with it as long as he is actually watching yk? In our house we only have the TV on if we are sitting watching, personally I hate it when TV's are just on in the background all the time but that is just me. Also no adverts, only C-Beebies and DVD's we approve of.

We do not have set times or lengths of TV. If he has been at nursery in the am then he may watch a little more in the pm as I know he is tired and if we are having a busy outside day then v little gets watched. At the moment he loves lucy from 64 Zoo Lane!

Shiv52 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2011, 14:46:16 pm »

At 1YO Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was M's favourite show. I see nothing wrong with it. i did loads of reading about TV and not allowed for under 2s and the link to ADHD and what I found is that is just not the case for kiddies who watch a moderate amount of TV!

Like everything with parenting, moderation is key! A couple of shows a day is totally fine. M watches a fair bit of TV but is also happy to play and do loads of things so its not a worry. We watch playhouse disney or cbeebies as there are no advertisements and the content is very kid friendly.

ENjoy the chance to get thte housework done x

~ Vik ~ · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2011, 14:48:43 pm »

Here too - Dylan watches some Treehouse TV (no ads, age appropriate shows) in varying amounts. Usually about 1/2h in the mornings while we're scrambling to get ready for work/daycare, then a bit in the evening while I'm making supper. Maybe a show before bed. I refuse to feel guilty about it - we do loads of outside time, down on the floor playing time, coloring and crafts, etc. but I do flip on one of his shows for him to watch while I get other things done (making supper, getting ready, cleaning the bathroom, etc). The TV isn't a baby sitter, but definitely a useful tool around here!

~Sara~ · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2011, 14:52:57 pm »

Aaron has his favorite shows, too, and we have allowed him max of 1h a day since he was one. On special occassions--or days where DH, myself, or the little dude isn't feeling well--we'll do more tv and/or a movie. I know Aaron's learned a lot from the shows he watches and DH is able to get dinner cooked without a two-year-old constantly demanding to be held in the kitchen.

Plus, I just think it's fun to snuggle with him while he watches a movie

<Catherine> · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2011, 14:57:13 pm »

Same here too. I also agree that DS has learnt a lot from the shows he does watch.

I think it can be a useful tool.

twogirlsmommy · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2011, 15:01:13 pm »

We watch tv here to. It is mainly nogging or pbs kids which have no commercials and are somewhat educational/ age appropriate. I see nothing wrong with it. Some days its on more then others but it also depends on what we are doing or have done that day.

anna* · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2011, 15:02:58 pm »

We're like Becky. Stan has watched small amounts of TV daily probably from around 15 months, but we absolutely DO NOT have advertising on! (This is a personal values thing for our family though.)

~Sara~ · « **Reply #8 on:** September 30, 2011, 15:55:36 pm »

Quote from: Brennasmommy on September 30, 2011, 09:01:13 am

pbs kids

That's the channel we watch, too. We also find one of his shows on the "On Demand" feature of our cable provider, just so we don't have to deal with commercials (which I find highly annoying!).

MadisonC · « **Reply #9 on:** September 30, 2011, 16:17:45 pm »

Thanks everyone! I don't feel so bad about it now. Its def not a babysitter but is very helpful when I am trying to get things done and am usually the only one home since DH works 12 hr days. Its not like he is watching CSI.. he only watches mickey and oso.. its all he will pay attention to.

Lemonthyme · « **Reply #10 on:** October 03, 2011, 19:24:24 pm »

I've eased up about it loads. I used to demand the TV was off all the time but now he is in the room with the TV on when my OH is watching F1 or Rugby (he doesn't show much interest tbh) and now I occasionally put on CBeebies but he doesn't sit still for more than 5 minutes. He did point at the TV today and seemed like he wanted it on but I didn't put it on, I hate that toddler "I WANT CBEEBIES" thing!

I did go on a course when he was a baby which said there should be no TV until they're 2, preferably 3 and limited after then. I think that's a bit OTT and probably not achievable. I don't like the idea of leaving your LO to watch on their own though, I think watching together and talking about what's on screen is good and educational.

There's a programme called "Something special" on CBeebies in the UK which is aimed at kids who are older, I think 4-7 with special needs. My 16 month old loves it though because there's loads of signing in it and they repeat words a lot which helps his language. If I happen to put on the TV and it's on, we like that, oh and Waybuloo for the yoga!

But tbh I just tend to switch on the TV if I've run out of ideas or if he's acting up and I just need a distraction. Probably not the best idea. Oops. Anyway, though on doing the housework etc, I have found it's really good idea to involve your LO and not avoid doing housework with him. There's no reason to avoid vacuuming while your LO is in the room, my son 'helps' me with dusting now (I have one of those fluffy dusters and he loves grabbing that and dusting!) I hang out the washing with him as he plays with the pegs, I put away washing as he's toddling around in my bedroom. I've also been known to do the washing up while he's eating. Tbh, it's more so I get a proper break when he has a nap rather than running around like a mad woman.

MadisonC · « **Reply #11 on:** October 03, 2011, 19:54:26 pm »

I mean it definitely would be nice to take an hr longer to do housework or sit with him and talk about what he is watching but its difficult working from 8-4 because I only have a limited time do get things done and done quickly so that I can still take time out to play with him, bath him, and feed him ect. So its nice actually that he will sit for 30 mins or so so that I can get that all done and be his for the rest of the evening.

Roseii · « **Reply #12 on:** October 03, 2011, 19:58:28 pm »

Just out of interest, what's the big deal with the adverts/commercials? Are you guys worried your kids will be asking for stuff they've seen on tv? X

~Sara~ · « **Reply #13 on:** October 04, 2011, 15:55:36 pm »

Quote from: Charlibob on October 03, 2011, 13:58:28 pm

Just out of interest, what's the big deal with the adverts/commercials? Are you guys worried your kids will be asking for stuff they've seen on tv? X

Yes, there's that. Studies show that children under 8 have a hard time realizing that commercials = propoganda. They don't know about marketing or psychological manipulation (lol, sorry, that's a bit harsh, but when it comes down to it, that's what advertising is!)...what they see on tv, to them, is reality/true. It's even hard to break away from this mode of thinking as an adult. Even younger kids (like under the age of 5/6) have a hard time differentiating between their favorite shows and ads that feature a character in that show (so if Dora the Explorer is selling some Yoplait yogurt, they think that Dora in fact eats Yoplait brand yogurt). I guess these aren't really, really BAD things, but I just prefer to not have to deal with the competition as a parent...I don't have billions of dollars to throw back the other way

Plus, commercials are just annoying. They're loud, fast-paced and often frantic to elicit excitement from the viewers and create an emotional connection with the product. I always mute commercials during my shows

lilybug25 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2011, 16:23:39 pm »

I use to only allow Lo to watch 30 mintues of tv a day, she (still to this day) doesn't care if it's on or not. When I became pg with this baby I started turning the tv on first thing giving Lo a cup of milk and running to the bathroom to be sick for anywhere between 10-45 minutes. I am not going to lie having the tv on has helped alot during this pregnancy.

We Three · « **Reply #15 on:** October 04, 2011, 16:43:59 pm »

We watch ZERO network tv when dd is awake, and never have. We "attempted" to watch American Idol one night while she and dh did a puzzle in the same room...but NO WAY am I ok with the commercials. Before I get a chance to change the channel, there is an ad for a horror movie, or an ad for an upcoming version of CSI or something where someone gets punched in the face in the first nanosecond of the commercial. It infuriates me...the level of violence. I realize that it's different during the day, but I bristle at the consumerism, the images of women (Victorias Secret commercials) and the craziness of it all. It's all just so much mental noise to me...yuck! We do a bit of PBS in the morning, and Fresh Beat Band at night. There are commercials on whatever station it is that has Fresh Beats, but they are usually for diapers or baby food...!

Lolly · « **Reply #16 on:** October 04, 2011, 17:11:29 pm »

We only do cbeebies and DVDs too. My reason for no adverts is because I don't want my kids demanding things they see advertised. It's only in the last few weeks that DS has realised there are toys in the back of my catalogues, he's pointing out things he likes now, my friends DD who watches channels with ads has been demanding things for a very long time now (I'm sure personality/ parenting is at play there too).

Mind you, DS has discovered Top Gear lately

- he's allowed to watch a bit on Sunday afternoons with DH because the language content has been edited.

Laura

Mum-of-Two · « **Reply #17 on:** October 04, 2011, 17:22:41 pm »

OK, I'm stepping out on a limb and admitting we are the family where the TV is always on in the background. So much so, we don't even notice it anymore. Kids play normally and prefer to be outside or doing crafts, I haven't found any problems with it -- not to say that there are not any problems, just my kids are well rounded, well behaved kids. They aren't at all glued to the TV, if they were I'd probably think twice about it. Actually, they're glued to me! (as they should be I suppose)

They prefer educational shows -- Electric Company and Fetch are DD's favorite. Team Umi Zoomi (usually on demand because I don't like the commercials on that channel) and Imagination Movers are Oliver's favorites. The PBS shows I prefer because the commercials aren't, well commercial. And other then DH putting on sports, he and I never have any adult shows or major networks on ... and I mean NEVER ... there just isn't time for us to watch anything and when we do the kids are in bed. So, by design or not, they are spared from the scary commercials and violence (except for whatever Disney has for their Halloween line up, that is scary enough in my opinion).

Now the computer... we limit that use because they WILL get engrossed and sit in front of that thing for hours on end if left to do so. Computer is not used during the week, ever. And rarely on weekends, it really is a treat. We manage it as you all treat the TV, only certain things, maybe if they are sick and need to relax. If they acted like that with TV, I would limit it too.

anna* · « **Reply #18 on:** October 04, 2011, 18:48:27 pm »

Quote from: Charlibob on October 03, 2011, 19:58:28 pm

Just out of interest, what's the big deal with the adverts/commercials? Are you guys worried your kids will be asking for stuff they've seen on tv? X

Mostly. I don't want Stan exposed to that level of marketing expertise while he is so young to realise that he is being marketed 'at'. Marketers are TOTALLY 'training' little ones to be expert consumers... marketing to children is so sophisticated and I know I don't even understand it all - just enough to know that it's not something I want him to be exposed to. I've seen kids who are more enthralled by the ads than by the shows they are supposedly watching.

I know so many kids who go on and on and on about wanting this that or the other toy, and they are just total rubbish, don't work like they're promised, fall apart... and the wanting is stressful for the kids and the parents. When he's a bit older and I can explain and he can understand that you CAN"T BELIEVE anything that an advertisement tells you... then I guess we'll relax the rules a bit and teach him to be a cynic

But then DH and I don't watch advertising either - which is ironic since we both work in marketing. We PVR the TV we watch and cut out or just skip over the adverts. Or watch BBC if it's live TV.

~Sara~ · « **Reply #19 on:** October 04, 2011, 19:05:45 pm »

Jill, I think you bring up a good point that there's no black and white with any of this, nor is a one size fits all approach doable. You have to make the best decisions for your family, just like with any parenting aspect. Now, if only I could limit DH's computer time, lol

Mum-of-Two · « **Reply #20 on:** October 04, 2011, 19:33:40 pm »

I tell you what, limiting the children's computer time has really limited mine as well. I can't go on it without them wanting to do their own thing so I just stay off of it too. Works out OK. (and thank you for your note)

We Three · « **Reply #21 on:** October 04, 2011, 20:02:42 pm »

I know of some families whose kids (older, yes, but this could work with preschoolers too I think) have to earn computer time and tv time. They have coupons I think...each is good for 15 minutes, and they keep them in a jar. Mom takes out coupons for misbehavior, and they can earn more by doing "extra" chores (vacuum the car, things beyond the normal household chores). I think it's really creative...but again her kids are like 8 and 10 I believe.

Shdef · « **Reply #22 on:** October 14, 2011, 17:22:36 pm »

I remember being so so... opinionated (stuck up) about this before I had children.

Then, there were times where I put my 18 month old in a high chair, with some Walkers Bakes crisps, juice and a Cbeebies show...

Khalam's Mama · « **Reply #23 on:** October 14, 2011, 20:43:16 pm »

We grew up with the TV on in the background and I would like to think I am ok for it. I try not to have it on too much here. K only watched football with DH before he was 2. He has since taken an interest in something special as PP mentioned. Since we learn heaps of signs and it is quite educational I don't mind this. He also likes oso, mickey mouse and fireman Sam more recently. He doesn't even sit still to watch a whole 20min show so I am not too worried. I agree as long as it is moderate amounts with plenty of other stimulating activities and physical one it isn't too bad.

Lemonthyme · « **Reply #24 on:** October 14, 2011, 20:51:05 pm »

I watched TV every day as a child. The problem is (or the great thing was) that there was a 30 min slop around lunchtime of kids TV when I was little which limited both my want to see it and my mum's desire to have a quiet life! Now there are, what? 10 kids channels? More?? It's scary.

I think the thing is the people who take their kids to singing and literacy groups and read with their kids every day probably have nothing to worry about with a bit of TV but there are parents who would sit their kids in front of it for hours.

brenda2 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 14, 2011, 20:53:59 pm »

we watch a fair amount of tv here, it's not on ALL the time, but quite a bit. more than a few 30 min shows that's for sure. it does depend on what's going on in the day though - the kids are at daycare 8-4 5 days a week with zero tv there and in quite a few sports activities, swimming, skating etc so we are out and about with no tv on the weekends and take them to the park lots etc. we also read to them lots and do puzzles etc with them, but if it's raining and we're home in the evening then the tv is usually on and they are either watching it or not, running around doing their own thing with it on in the background. i don't really have a problem with it but if it has been on for too long (over an hour) i will usually give them a warning that's it going to go off - they haven't had a problem with this and will just go off and find something to play with.

we only do treehouse (no commericals) or dvds though. i find some of the shows quite good - dd1 has learned loads from shows like cat and the hat where they talk about animals and travel to places.

i don't like the violence on adult commercials or the thought of them demanding stuff from the commericals for toys. but they haven't really seen any toy commmercials yet so i don't know if that would happen.

it's an individual thing for sure. most parents i know do allow some tv. some limit the time to an hour a day but most don't

Khalam's Mama · « **Reply #26 on:** October 14, 2011, 21:13:28 pm »

Quote from: Lemonthyme on October 14, 2011, 20:51:05 pm

I think the thing is the people who take their kids to singing and literacy groups and read with their kids every day probably have nothing to worry about with a bit of TV but there are parents who would sit their kids in front of it for hours.

Agree with this. We do something everyday and always read several books a day. We do not watch tv everyday.

We Three · « **Reply #27 on:** October 14, 2011, 22:36:29 pm »

In my defense, because I don't wish to be misunderstood...For those of us who watched tv every day when we were little and turned out fine, the fact is TV is VERY different in these days. The level of violence and consumerism and sexualization of young girls is rampant on TV, and that is why we don't have it on. I'm not stuck up about it, we just leave it off while dd is awake. And I mean network television, not PBS or certain kids channels without mainstream commercials.

Lemonthyme · « **Reply #28 on:** October 15, 2011, 09:42:37 am »

Oh yes I agree. The only TV my son watches when he does watch it is CBeebies (BBC, no ads) and sometimes sport with his dad.

Roseii · « **Reply #29 on:** October 15, 2011, 17:23:08 pm »

DD does watch channels with adverts (nick jnr shows Peppa Pig

) They're always adverts for toys or baby related things like nappies so I'm not worried about them being inappropriate or violent. I do avoid them mostly though and flick, mostly as theyre sooooo annoying! Dh can't abide ads on any channel as he finds them annoying, although it bugs me that he flicks so much. Sport, sport and more sport when he's in control of the remote

*Becky* · « **Reply #30 on:** October 16, 2011, 18:53:01 pm »

Quote from: Amelia1227 on October 14, 2011, 22:36:29 pm

For those of us who watched tv every day when we were little and turned out fine, the fact is TV is VERY different in these days. The level of violence and consumerism and sexualization of young girls is rampant on TV, and that is why we don't have it on. I'm not stuck up about it, we just leave it off while dd is awake. And I mean network television, not PBS or certain kids channels without mainstream commercials.

exactly. x

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Author Topic: watching tv (Read 6614 times)