Media Babysitting

[JLH1258]

I put my son down for a nap today and took advantage of the quiet time to get some dishes done with the radio on. One of the commercials was advertising a Disney TV channel that you could 'leave on all day without worry'

While I do take advantage of movies to get laundry/chores done, I can't imagine leaving my son in front of a TV all day. Is this the new norm now?

I've read so many articles and studies advising against the 'TV babysitter', but so many Moms use it every day! How much is really safe?

[Malea]

I had three kids two of them close together and my first one was very active. I would use a tv as a babysitter sometimes for my older child. That was the only thing that would keep his attention some days. But, I would never use it all day every day ..kids need to play and learn how to entertain themselves.

[IrishMom27]

though our television is on all the time, it is not always watched - background noise is needed, and the radio does not cut it - i do tons of creative play, reading, coloring, and yes, i will put on some of her shows if i need to do dishes or clean floors. if it is laundry day, daughter is right there to help.

luckily, my daughter (who is 2) is very good at entertaining herself. she will get comfy in her room, look at me and say, "Ok. Good bye." this lets me know she wants to be alone. after about an hour, she finds me and wants company. i am okay with this.

[mama to two]

We keep our TV off most of the time and use screentime as a reward for good behavior. If you go over to the american pediatric association's website it says that kids over 2 shouldn't have more than 2 hrs of screentime a day. I'm not sure we even have it on that much and when we do it's usually netflix so the kids don't view all of the commericals. You wouldn't believe all the things my son thinks he needs when he's been subjected to commericals.

[Swati88]

Great shared conversation guys!!