Tv in a Kids Room?

Okay...so far...no tv in room = straight A's and applauded at school. Why mess with something that is going so well? We do not have tv's in bedrooms. One in Family Room, One in Basement, One in Master Bedroom...5 kids...they are forced to learn how to negotiate at a young age. Good Luck! M.

Absolutely not, for any of my children at any age, regardless of their good grades. Find another way to reward her stellar behavior.

Wow! Seems like an awful lot of moms think this isn't a great idea -- and I'm afraid I'm one of them. At 8 1/2, it' still pretty easy to monitor TV usage. One concern I have (and why none of my kids have EVER had a TV in their bedroom) is what happens in, say, 4 or 5 years when it's not so easy to monitor. And for those who sya "you can always take it out", I find that much easier said than done. NEVER say yes now to something you might have to take back later (including computer access, cell phone usage, friends over when you're not home, boys visiting in the bedroom or anything else). Always think "what can happen with this when she's a teenager?" and be very realistic. It's easier to say no now and yes later than to say yes now & have to take it back or deal with unforeseen consequences.

Think strategically, even when acting tactically.

Good luck! This is not an issue that will go away easily.

.

NO! Plain and simple, NO!

No, no, and no. TV can be addicting; it is NOT easy to monitor what they watch, especially as they get older; it creates an environment where everyone goes to their own TV "world" instead of being together.
R.

Dear K.,

I don't think children should have a TV or computer in their room.

Blessings.....

I am not a fan of TV in kids bedrooms, my DD is only 3 and I don't think it would ever be okay with me. My hubby's ex allowed both of their sons to have their own TVs in their rooms at 8 and 9 and it just seemed like whenever we went over there to pick them up for the weekend or whatever, everyone was sequestered in their rooms glued to their TV. You don't want her to have it, and you have valid reasons, so I would just keep telling her no, no matter how much she keeps bugging you for it. When she has a job and has the money to save up to buy the TV herself, than maybe that would be a different story.

Nope!

I don't think TVs are a good addition to any bedroom, much less that of a child. I don't think it matters how responsible or old they are. There's just too much there you have no control over. I don't see ANY advantages to having one.

Good luck!

No. I would not, I will not. Call me Sam I am if you want.. .but I will not swallow that having a TV in the bedroom has ANY benefits to children (or adults, really for that matter).

Both of our kids have asked for one... it started with my son around that age. He's 12 now. Still no TV. Daughter only asked a couple of times, b/c she knew that her brother was told absolutely not. EVEN THOUGH Gram offered to buy one (and asked him what he wanted without getting approval from us first). We told him, that even if she did buy one, he wouldn't be allowed to have it. He could have one in his room when he lived in his own house and he made the rules. In our house, no TV in his room. Period.
(Just the facts ma'am.).

It really would end up just being a convenience for you in possibly keeping her quiet and entertained in her bedroom. Is that really what you want? In just a VERY short number of years, you will be BEGGING her to come out and give you some face time. And, watching TV before bed (what you said you would allow her to do) actually makes it more difficult to fall asleep.

Reward her for her excellent school work in some other way.

Nope, never. I don't think it's terrible, I just wouldn't do it because kids get isolated that way. And you don't say how old she is. Why can't she watch tv for one hour a night with you instead of alone in her room? It's a bad habit to get started.

My answer would be no. My parents would not let me have a TV in my room until college, and even then they were reluctant but realized they didn't have much of a choice. I hated them for it at the time, but looking back I realize how right it was. I never would have left my room. As it was I watched too much tv, but at least I was around them. Plus the TV starts bad habits, like watching it when you can't sleep. My daughter's teacher said that she has had problems with kids falling asleep in class because they are falling asleep to TV at night.

Nope. Not in our house. No TVs in the bedrooms and no TVs in the car. As adults it's one thing to self medicate your tired and stressed out mind with the tube (but still better for you to read) but to teach kids to check out and watch stuff rather than reading, drawing, or just plain thinking should be kept to a bare minimum. She's in her formative study years preparing for school. It's a bad bad habit. She' be much better off with an hour of extra sleep.
My daughter (5) has been asking for one ever since she saw an atrocious pink princess TV marketed straight to kids at Sears. Darn you, evil greedy corporate marketing execs!
It's so never gonna happen.

I can guarantee you that your rules will go out the window once she gets it. And you will never see her. And you will not have control over what she watches anymore unless you are in there with her the whole time.
Don't do it. Oh yeah-and you are right on, she WONT read as much thats for sure. Why would she with a TV in her room??

Um no! No need and if she's that focused on her studies & reading you dont want the TV to detract that and while Im sure you are going to set rules, think about what you'll have to deal with when she doesnt follow them. If TV is that restricted anyway, then whats the point. Im sure there is a tv in the house she can watch for an hour a day.

Nope. We don't have a TV in our room either. As a show of "good faith," if you have one in your room, you should get rid of it. No TVs in the bedrooms is the healthiest for everyone.

I would never allow my son to have a tv, or a computer, for that matter, in his room. Not just because he's almost four, but throughout his life under our roof. (Unless he decides to stay on through college and pay rent at that point. :) ) I think it's something that can be a potential problem, especially as children get older and their desired viewing-- and hours of sleep-- change. I know I sound old-fashioned, but I feel that side-by-side viewing is important. Especially when questionable themes come up, or characters on a show act in a way that might not fit in with the culture of your family. And this does happen on the channels you refer to. Keeping it in the living room, and viewing together, ensures that you know what she's seeing and that you have control over it.

Likely, too, if there's some discipline issue later on, are you going to want her to have the option of going into her room and just turning on tv? OR do you want the argument of having to take it out of her room? Just some thoughts.

No..no tv in the bedroom. My kids can watch TV in the family room for a while and that is it. If they have it in the bedroom, they would watch before they go to sleep. My oldest one (she is turning 10) has been asking for tv in the bedroom, but now she knows that it will never happen. Just keep it as a rule,,no tv in the bedroom.

Hi, K.;

TV is an addiction. This is a test for you when she gets to be a teenager. Are you going to let your child do something you know will be bad for her health just because she wants it?

Do you know the difference between needing something and wanting something?
Just want to know.
D.

No.................. She doesn't need a tv in her room. Let her watch her 1 hour of tv else where. She can read or play in her room before bedtime. IMO =) Good luck!

Not allowed in our home. My 9 year old has been asking for months and when he asks why I tell him it's because I don't want him watching TV when he's supposed to be sleeping. I also want to contol how much TV he watches and what he's watching. My boys aren't allowed TV before school, instead they build with Legos, play with toys, etc; otherwise they would be glued to the TV with their brains rotting away :)

No, I would not. But maybe i'm just still idealistic.

You must be joking. Who is in charge here,, you or your daughter? You know that TV in the bedroom is a bad thing, and you are letting an 8 year old talk you into it? Say no, explain why, and stick to your guns. You're making an investment in her future. You're going to have to get used to saying no, might as well start now. :-)

I would say no, especially at that age. We just finally got a second TV in our house last year and I know that sounds crazy. We have one in our living room and family room and we don't even have one in our bedroom. I've even had a DVD in my car since I bought it 4 years ago and have never used it. I feel like kids (at least my kids) form expected habits and once it happens, they will always want it. My son doesn't even know we have a tv in the car. He gets a certain amount of educational shows during the week, and we've told him that cartoons are only on on the weekends as a treat, b/c if he's going to watch TV and want the majority of it to be educational. I do have some strong rules about TV, I don't think it is necessarily bad for kids if it's educational and the occasional cartoon is fine as well. But I also feel like the bedroom is a place for relaxation, reading and sleep....and I want to keep that expectation as he gets older. I don't know if I'd ever put one in his room. I also like having our family together and I would worry that it would create separation within the family.

No, I would not let any of my children have a tv. There really isn't a good reason for a child to have one. I think your fear would come true....she would not read as much.

Unless you're in her room every minute to monitor, she's eventually going to put on an unapproved channel, or watch for longer than you specify. Why put that big temptation in her room? Even a good kid with great school habits and behavior would be seduced by TV in her own room, available any time (it's available at the click of a button, even if you set limits, unless you have some way to turn it on and off from wherever you are in the house!). Like someone else said, TV in the bedroom isolates kids from the rest of the family. And even only-Disney or only-Nick-watching means loads of glossy, noisy, buy-buy-buy commercials. I wouldn't do it but would get her some new books instead, or spend the money on a weekend class in something she likes -- art, exercise, dance, music. She can watch TV where the rest of the family does.

Never. My daughter is about the same age and does well in school too. I still would never entertain the thought. Here are a few reasons why:

- While you would set rules in the beginning you both would probably become lax.

- Not all shows are appropriate for kids. By having the TV in the family room you know what she is watching.

- I think it sets a bad precedence for when she is older and school may not be as 'easy'.

- You're right it probably would cut down on her reading time.

- TV right before bed is probably not the best time for TV.

- Even if the TV is off I've heard that the presence of a TV in the room disrupts sleep (Not sure exactly what the cause but I'm sure you could look it up)

- I think it promotes isolation and I would think you would want to spend quality family time together not apart.

These are just a few reasons why I would stand my ground on this one.

Not yet...maybe in H.S. But, you could let her have some control over another tv in the house for a certain amount of time a night.

I am not planning on it we have one tv in the house. It is on after DS is asleep. Also the computer will be in a common area of the house.

Our daughter is in her late teens and our answer is still no - we made it clear at an early age (the frist time a friend got one) that it would not happen in our house, and it has never become a problem. We all share 1 tv and that keeps a healthy cap on all our viewing time, and encourages family viewing of good programs/movies. TV before bed can affect falling asleep and sleep patterns, too, from what I understand. Here, the last half hour before bed is for quiet reading of good books (ie. we do not allow violent or disturbing content) which lends itself to falling alseep easier and a more peaceful sleep. Many, many more reasons (many of which others already mentioned), but my answer would be no.

we are blessed to have a 'living room' and a 'family room' so each of those have a tv, no other room in the house does. our kids are 14, 11 and 8. they 'share' the family room tv, hubby and i will watch in the living room if we are not all watching the same thing. our kids will never have their own tv in their rooms. i had one in mine and i lived in my bedroom. i don't want that for our kids. oh, and we also don't have a computer in the house. if they need one for school, i bring home my laptop for them. good luck to you.

WOW! I'm one of few on here....

I don't see a problem with it! Just monitor what/how much they watch. Common sense.....that's all. So many parents these days with all there wacky rules.... =)

I wouldn't. I'm not of the mindset that 'TV' is of the devil, but I'm not a fan of it either. I don't want to be a "do as I say, not as I do" mom. So for me it's simple. No TV's in bedrooms. Even mine. We got rid our our bedroom television about 1.5 years ago and I don't miss it. A laptop suffices when we want to watch a movie in bed and we will sometimes allow our children to do the same from their beds. (Movie only). Wouldn't you rather put the money you would spend on a television for her room into a savings account for college? Make it a teaching moment and take the money to a bank and have her set up a savings account. I guess I'm just of the mindset that just because you could, doesn't mean that you should...My husband and I do well for our family, but we live well below our means. We don't want our children growing up with the sense of entitlement. If you feel your child could handle her family and school responsibilities with a television in her room then perhaps she should be the one to finance it. Make it a dual lesson. She MAY have a television BECAUSE she is a great kid, but she is the one who needs to come up with the FUNDS to have it. It will mean that much more to a dedicated kid that earns the privilege. Be creative!

I'm not reading all the other answers bc I'm sure there are both sides. But I have to vote "it's fine". I had a TV in my room from about that age on and I am very successfully professionally - several professional designations, MBA from a top 5 ranked school etc. I look back and laugh how I watched TV, talked on the phone and did my homework all at the same time! I think times have changed but it all depends on the kid and how responsible, motivated they are...

No, not a good idea. Unmonitored TV viewing breeds disconnect from the entire family. You think you will be able to maintain that hour a day thing, but trust me it would easily get out of hand.
My vote is NO.
TV in their own room might be a good birthday or Christmas present when they turn 13.

Our 4yo has a TV in his room, but it's not hooked up to cable and the only thing he can watch are movies on it. Sometimes we'll put a movie in to wind him down before bed. Most of the time he never watches it, but it's nice to have it there.

How many TVs does your household currently have? If you are all sharing one, I'd say it is ok for her to have the TV there (assuming there's not another room it could be), but with the caveats that you monitor the amout she watches, when she watches - absolutely NO leaving it on while going to sleep, and let her know that if she starts not finishing her homework, or arguing about homework, you are taking it away.

I think you are right that it may decrease the amount she reads, especially since the time you would let her watch is before bed. Bedtime is bedtime, if she is watching TV she is not reading b4 bed (which is when most of the reading with my daughter occurs). That being said, kids want to watch what they want (w/in allowances from parents) and parents want to watch what we want. This will decrease fights over what is on the TV. Good luck!

The only time my son (soon 8) watches tv in his room is if he's taking a rest and watching a DVD. It's just not an issue here.

blah...........tv is the devil!!!!!, not actually, both my kids have one, never use it. its nice to have when there is a movie or show they want to see but i dont, thats like once every three months. I really dont think the absence of a tv will make the kids automatically 'hit the books" that takes structure and timing, encourage=ment. I really dont think giving a kid a tv means anarchy and zombiness. it means they have the option to be individuals to watch their own stuff, otherwise they will be watching my prime time, that cant be better.

Lots of responses but here's my opinion. I have a 3 year old daughter who is brilliantly advanced for her age and always has been. Until she was 2.5 years old I worked very full time and often needed to use the TV to entertain her to get dinner made, do laundry etc.. It's the quality of programs you choose and of course you shouldn't use for hours on end either. We found some great educational shows for her thru 'On demand' and one day we noticed her identifying her letters when watching TV. Of course in addition to her watching TV we also spent a lot of time reading to her as well. She is now three years old reads at 2nd grade level, knows all her states and capitals, is learning Spanish etc... I just bought her Spanish teaching DVD which she loves and on special occasions (non preschool nights) can watch it over and over until she goes to sleep. I was always against TV watching for children but if you are very selective ( I usually have them watch educational DVD's) it can be a great learning tool. Do what you think is right.

Wow, looks like I'm in the minority here. My daughter has one in her room that was a gift from her Grandmother last Christmas, we only just plugged it in because of the age thing. She only asks for it every once in a while and it is only for movies-NO cable or satelite hook ups- mainly when she has a friend over to sleep. I think with firm rules regarding and continued proof of effot in school there is no harm.

how old is she? If you can monitor it, keep it to a certain amount of time, it might be nice for her to not have to compete with anyone on what she gets to watch. But I would make sure she understands if her grades slip, the tv goes bye bye.

I wouldn't...it will only premote "hermiting."

I wouldn't even let my teenager have a tv in there room...at the verry MOST they would have a tv/vcr/dvd player and they would have to ask to watch a movi/dvd, no vidioes/dvds stored in there room, and the would only be allowed to watch one movi per day.

I would as long as she keeps her grades up. You can go chill with her if your afraid she will isolate herself but you said you were going to only allow an hour before bed so I don't think there will be too much isolation. You can also have her read before TV time in the living room, like you and her read in the same room so your together. I don't think it would be terrible especially if she is as awesome at school like you say.. just as long as she keeps it up :)

My daughter's TV isn't hooked up to cable either, as another mom said, so she can watch good dvds :P It's not like people who have TVs in their kid's rooms let them watch things rated above them

My 10 year old has had one in her room since age 2 and my little one will be 4 in Oct. and I'm planning on getting her one. She speaks Spanish and talks about patterns and sings songs about being good friends from watching Barney, Wonder Pets, Dora, etc. I don't knock tv one bit! They make preschool shows for a reason. Of course, she spends plenty of time just being a kid too! Don't worry about it. As long as you know that you are a good mom and she's regulated, she'll be just fine. Trust me.

An elementary school student? Nope, wouldn't allow it. My high schooler doesn't even have a t.v. in her room. Keep your elementary kid watching tv in the family room, where she is not isolated.

Hi K., this is a personal choice, the two and the 5 year old in my daycare have TV'S in their rooms, the 5 year old has had one since she was two. they have a lasser disc player as well. My oldest son at 3 had one, my husband bought him a Ninetendo for Christmas when he was 3, it was set up in our room so I was awaken early every morning with Super Mario, so we did move the TV in there, there was no cable and no extra channels, and he was tested ffor the date program for giffted children, I don't think it's a rule that every child who has a TV in their room is going to do poorly in school, Like i said it's a personal choice, there is no wrong or right answer. J.

wondering why she wants it so bad and if she would accept statistics proving your argument not to.

I can't say i won't ever let this happen in my house, I'd like to think no, but hubby has a tv in our bedroom to watch sports as he is dressing in the morning. I personally don't care to have a tv in the house at all.

I think you know that it isn't a good idea, can you offer her something in liue of??

If you don't really have a problem with it then why not. If the rules aren't followed, grades drop, she stops reading the TV can be removed. Our kids are still a bit younger and do not have room TV's, but I do.

My son has one in his room not hooked up to satellite only can watch dvd's and play playstation which is limited as well. My daughter is getting one for her birthday this year as well.

We were totally against a TV in my son's room as well - but then we added on to our house and moved him into this giant room (like an extra master suite, with own bathroom, closet, etc) so he could be upstairs with us. Most of the room is a play area and he entertains his friends often. For that reason, we got a TV but never hooked it up to cable, and only hooked it up to DVD player. So far, in 4mos, he's only watched a few videos (30mos old). Good luck!

My 14 year old (who makes honor roll every quarter) says "I know I'll never be allowed to have a tv in my room. Maybe I'll get one when I have my own house."....and he's fine with it. We would rather the kids not isolate themselves in their rooms. Don't want them using it as a crutch either to get to sleep. My kids read at bed-time and we much prefer that.

My kids have a tv in their room - I must be a bad mom or something reading all these other responses! i had a tv in my room growing up - I have a degree and I am happily married with children, it didn't warp me.
They actually don't watch it very often, it is not hooked up to satellite, just dvd player.

I decided I am an adult and do not have to watch cartoons. I put TV's in both grandkids rooms and they are on a lot. But when I walk in to check on the kids the are usually playing toys and the TV is more like background noise. But if Phineas and Ferb are on they are sitting watching them. OETA is a good one the sometimes sit down and watch too.

I don't mind the kids having TV. They are not allowed to bring the toys in to the living room and they need to have their own space too.

My kids are 5 and 7, they got their tv almost 2 years ago.