Too Much Television?

Hi Rebecca,

What we have worked out in our house is that the kids will watch a little PBS in the morning and then we go somewhere or play upstairs or outside. Then maybe they watch another show or a DVD when they wake up from their naps and usually a DVD (Thomas, Elmo, etc.) in the evening after their baths. Maybe this sounds like a lot to some people, but I have two bright and happy children (most of the time!). They love books and puzzles, play doh and helping me do the dishes or cook. In the summer, we hardly watch any TV, but in the winter it's tough to spend a lot of time outside. Just the fact that you are questioning how much TV your children watch shows how much you care about them and I'll bet you are doing a great job!

I think many mom's struggle with that. However, what I keep in mind is that a recent Harvard social sciences report said that males do 33% more housework than they did in the 60's and women spend 70% more time taking care of the children than in the 60's.

Now at first I was blown away by the second part! But the study went on to say that in the old days, the children used to play by themselves a lot more and do their own things and today parents are training their children to be more dependent upon them.

I look back at my parents, how they are, and how they were raised, and then to my aunts, uncles, cousins, even my grandparents. The sad reality I can see through them, is that kids are getting worse! Maybe parents spend too much time with their children.

As I can see with my mother, parents need time to do housework, bills, and time for themselves. That time should all be accomplished within the normal 'at home' schedule that each of us have. I think it is perfectly possible to attain...and contrary to popular belief, part of helping me get that done, is sitting my son in front of the tube with Dora or Diego.

I only let him watch certain programs--pretty much all of PBS Kid's Sprout and Noggin. I sometimes even join in. We make it fun and I get things done. I try not to spoil him, but I have even started closing him in his room with no TV for his alone time. At first I was worried I was being a horrible mother! I can see in to the room and his imagination really comes out to play! However, when I would put up the gate, he would just stand there and scream.

Try giving him alone time in his room so he can't see/hear you easily. Teach him to get along without you. It has worked wonders since we got our new place. Now I have time for all the housework, homework, bills, and me time. We also have our time together. My son seems so much happier now and he is able to do his own thing after his hour or two of alone time.

Good luck with whatever you try!
~meg

ugg, this a tough one for me. I wish my kids didn't even know what a TV is. but the reality is that, I can't send them over to the neighbors to play when i need to get stuff done, We don't have granny sitting on the front porch to lend a hand with the kids. It's just me 12 hrs a day. So when i need to get a shower, I have to take an important call or I want to reward them/bribe them, i turn on the TV. They probably watch an hour's worth every other day or so. I wouldn't advocate it, but it is what actually happens at our house.
I'd love to have some novel ideas for things that they could do safely with out supervision during those times. We have alot of sibling rivaly right now so not much keeps them happy and safe.

I think that the PBS kids shows are GREAT ! Please invite you kids in the kitchen with you . Setting the table and a having them help with the prep of a meal may take a little longer but if you plan it ,they will love the time with you and they helped make dinner how cool ! Outside can be priceless so fire up the grill and get everyone outside for some tag . You are doing a great job .I am sure but all these ideals will help you with ways not to feel guilty about TV watching .

I agree with the previous response. I was so anti-TV when I got pregnant, but when my son turned 2 and I had another baby, I just needed something to keep him entertained. I tried coloring, cars, toys, everything. The only way I can keep him entertained and know that he's not going to get hurt or in trouble is to turn the TV on to PBS. I utilize it while I'm breastfeeding my daughter and doing chores. If the baby is cooperating, I will put them in the toy room and put the gate up so that they can both play. If he's enjoying a show and I finish what I'm doing, sometimes I will watch the show with him and we'll talk about it. He really enjoys Super Why!, Sesame Street (Elmo's World), Dragontales, Curiuos George and Barney. The key is, we rarely watch the same shows 2 days in a row. I don't know why, I just feel better about it because I'm giving variety in the educational programming. As long as that's not the only thing your child's doing all day, I wouldn't worry about it. We are not bad mothers because our kids watch TV.

I think it's impossible to keep them away from the tv, and you really do need something to keep them entertained sometimes while you do some chores. I try to make sure my son only watches appropriate things, and sometimes watch with him. The most important thing I think is to talk to them about what they watch, and then they have to think about it and they learn from it. I am also hoping that if he sees something he shouldn't he will talk to me about it!

I know how you feel...are they watching too much? I hate that my kids love TV so much and I hate it even more that I'm so dependent on it. They watch PBS Kids every morning while I take care of things around the house. At 10:00 I turn the TV off and try to do other activities with them. I don't know if it is too much but it is what works for us. I also find that it is very educational and my daughter really interacts and learns from them. We as moms just have to do what we think is best for our kids while trying to accomplish other things at the same time. Using the TV to help us along is just fine!

Hi Rebecca, PBS kids has great shows and your kids are actually learning from them. I have a six year old and he will no longer watch PBS. But learned so much from it.As long as your kids get outside time to. I think they will be fine, plus it a learning show and not a violent show. We all need a little help in getting all our chores done so if this helps take advantage. Hope I helped. Kristin P