Everybody watches television, there’s almost no escape from it and it’s a huge part of our lives. But to what extent should we let babies watch TV?
My own parents tried to limit the time I spent in front of the box wasting away and watching rubbish when I was younger and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. I learned to use my imagination and play outside, socialise with the other kids down the street, play with the toys I got in abundance for birthday and Christmas – things which I feel are becoming second best to television.
Who am I to give my piece about children watching TV anyway? Nobody. I’m just like you. An every day mum to a little boy and these are just a couple of thoughts drawn from my own experiences.
I genuinely feel like we use the television as a babysitter. I say ‘we’ because I’m guilty of it too! But is it such a bad thing? I don’t think so. I strongly agree that exposure to television should be minimal, and once breakfast is out of the way, the television usually goes off and Toby is quite happy to play with his toys and destroy my house as quick as I can clear it up. However, on the other hand, I know as parents we sometimes just need 10 minutes, with a cup of tea and a biscuit to sit there and just chill out. This is especially true when Toby is refusing his nap. But if they’re happy being nice and quiet chilling out with you for ten while Peppa Pig or Paw Patrol is on, then that’s fine with me – I get a cuddle out of it!
I believe that direct stimulation and interaction with your child is the best way for them to learn, and indeed the TV should be no substitute for it. Occasionally we have it on in the background, but we seldom sit there with square eyes, unless we’re having a really crappy day and all we want to do is snuggle up. Toby’s much more into wrecking toys, kicking a football round the kitchen or going outside if the weather is nice. To me, there’s nothing better than letting them lead the play and you joining in their ‘game’ or whatever it is they’re trying to do. You can even become their entertainment. Dance, sing, kick a ball, push all the buttons on their toys.. whatever it is, it’ll keep them occupied and laughing. You might get an odd look depending on what you’re doing though.
As parents, we work tirelessly to be be and become the best parents we can, but personally I know if I need a few minutes to gather my thoughts and I’m getting stressed I can, unintentionally, express frustration. I don’t feel guilty for letting Toby get on with what he’s doing as I also believe in independent play. It allows us as parents to have a quick break, and get back on the job feeling refreshed, ready to care for him, play with him and be the best parent I can be for the rest of the day.
I remember being pregnant with Toby, and I was adamant that ”my child won’t be watching television, or have dummies” but he does both. I find that as new parents to be we tend to over analyse lots of things, but TV in moderation won’t interfere with their development or desire to use their imagination and create their own company. If anything, it gives them a break from us too. I love to smother him in kisses and shower him with cuddles but most of the time he can’t get away quick enough.
I’ve recently read some articles on how doctors think that babies who watch TV are more likely to have impaired brain development and are more likely to become affected with things such as ADHD. I can’t say I agree. Provided that the programmes being watched are age appropriate (it’s no good getting the kids to try and watch ‘Breaking Bad’) with limited exposure, it’s no different from eating some chocolate.
The obesity epidemic is in the news quite a lot, but let’s be honest here. If you’re feeding your children good foods most of the time and only give them some fizzy pop and chocolate once in a while, as a treat, it doesn’t hurt does it? It’s the same kind of principal with letting them watch TV. Half an hour here and there isn’t going to hurt them. I have no attention difficulties, yet I was exposed to television from a very young age. For lots of parents, in my opinion, ADHD is an excuse for their bad parenting, and I’m not afraid to say it. Some people either genuinely have no idea how to parent, or they’re too bloody lazy and simply choose not to. This is neither right or fair for those children who genuinely have ADHD issues. But that’s an entirely different post.
I think that as long as you are also interacting with them, getting them out of the house, and doing other things with them, a little TV really isn’t too detrimental to their brain or development. Of course, with parenting, there is no right and wrong. I sit and read with Toby (when he actually sits still), we have two way communication, have days out and go to groups. I won’t be made to feel guilty for my child watching TV for 10 minutes when we’re at home, because we’re all, I’m sure, guilty of it.
Do you limit screen time for the kids? Is there anything you won’t let them watch?
Jade x
We do have the tv on all day in the background, BUT our house is all one level and the girls are usually in the bedroom ‘making dinner’ or visiting eachothers houses which are our bedrooms. they may bob into the living room to watch for a couple of minutes but are soon off emptying boxes of toys over the floor. We also put Nursery rhymes on a lot which we all act out, count and do the alphabet. I do think its different having one though as I know when one of mine arnt here the other is more likely to watch the tv, but when both are here i dont ‘see’ them for hours at a time (I check on them but they usually dont notice)
Ah that’s so lovely that they visit each other! Nursery rhymes are great, we used to put those on a lot when Toby was a bit younger, I should probably start putting them on a bit more actually! We still sing nursery rhymes and do things at bath time too xx
I think it’s about balance too. And what you are doing when the TV is on. I use the TV when i need to get stuff done – cleaning/cooking/chores – which make our family life better. But he’s quite happy with it off too. I agree with your post 🙂 x
Exactly, balance is the key. I admit, I will sit and watch the TV with him, but we also try and mix the channels up so it’s not all cartoons and mind numbing rubbish! It more than helps here when it comes to the household chores too, I agree! xx
I have a post about TV coming soon, how strange! I completely agree with you. I’m am very guilty of putting the TV on for M but she doesn’t have to have it on, she asks for the iPad mostly!! I am a TV addict so it doesn’t help matters. M loves being outside and wrecking my house too xx
I saw someone else had done a post the night before this was scheduled, so it seems to be quite a hot topic at the minute. I’m a little bit of a TV addict too, but only because I don’t have much energy for much else at the minute. Yes, Toby loves the iPad too – although he gets bored with it quite quickly because he just likes to press the home button and then he realises it doesn’t work. Glad I’m not the only one with a child who goes around behind me undoing what I’ve just cleared up haha x
I let a bit of screen time happen (come on my blog is moderate mum!) I let him watch on laptop so I can control when and he doesn’t see the ads, cause I ain’t got the pennies for all that biz x
We have not really ever let M watched kids TV, it is never on in this house and at times I have made to feel guilty for it. When we visit the in-laws they are used to our nephews and niece watching TV so always put the Tv on for M, even when we say not to bother. Thankfully when it has been on M hasn’t really paid much attention and so it gets turned off. Generally the TV does not go on now until 5pm and that is generally for background noise. I am not saying M has never seen anything on TV as she has seen our programs in the background and has sat and watched 10 minutes of a cartoon movie but at her age I don’t think she needs TV as she can quite easily entertain herself.