The other morning I woke up and thought “That’s it! I’m sick of it! NO TV THIS MORNING!”
So I set the scene before the kids came out – plates, food and drinks were already at the table. So that when the kids came out (after waking up), they went and sat at the table for breakfast.
What USUALLY happens in our house, is that they come out, jump up on the couch and we pop the TV on for an hour so (or 2 … or 3). They then eat their breakfast while watching TV.
We just kind of got into that habit.
We always go out between 9am and 12pm. And then when they get home, for lunch, they watch the TV then too.
Now when I say “watch”, it usually just means its on in the background. Sometimes they stop what they’re doing and watch it, other times they ignore it.
Sometimes I put the TV on for myself 😂😐
I ALWAYS question myself. Question my parenting. Is it too much TV?
Then I remind myself that my kids play outside for most of the day. And if they’re not outside, then they’re inside playing and NOT watching TV.
As kids growing up, we were never allowed to watch TV in the morning. It was always after we came home from school for an hour, and then it was homework time.
I don’t have school-aged kids yet, but the TV time topic is always on my mind.
I would say my kids, on average, watch about 1-2 hours of TV a day. Maybe more, maybe less. Depends on the day, and depends on how I’m functioning haha
I don’t know how that compares to other parents, and I don’t know if that’s wrong.
In my personal opinion, TV / digital devices are ok. Not all day every day, but if you need a break and TV is the only thing that works – don’t beat yourself up over it.
There needs to be a balance. I like to think 80/20. 80% playing away from the TV. 20% with the TV.
Then there are days when the kids are sick – 100% TV
Or rainy days when you can’t think of things to do – 100% TV
Or you’re just having a shitty day yourself – 100% TV
As long as you are aware of what your children are watching, and the amount of time they’re watching it for, you’re ok.
What do you think? How much time do your kids spend watching TV / Digital Devices?
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