Too much tv time for child and toddler?

J

**Just my OPINION**

New member
I know right now my children (8 and 18 months) watch WAY too much tv. I have gotten in the habit of leaving Noggin (a preschool channel) on all day. I didn't think it really mattered at first. My toddler just glanced at it every now and then when a song came on. Now, he cries for me to turn the tv on (I know, it's terrible!). Since I am so busy (I am working on my degree), sometimes it is just easier to turn on the TV. I know that is terrible, and I have created an awful habit. My older son also watches too much tv. He can't ever find anything to do when the tv isn't on. My question is this (or these, I guess)...how do I break this habit without causing mass panic among the kids? And how much tv do you let your children watch? Please don't be rude and tell me I am a terrible parent. I know I did this to myself, and I shouldn't have let the habit start, but I am trying to fix it. Thanks!
 
For your 18 month old sit him in front of a whole bunch or toys instead. Playing helps him develop so many physical and mental skills. If he cries, because he wants to watch tv try to ignore him as best you can. He should break out of it sooner or later. For your 8 year make sure he is doing is homework and then when he does have him read or maybe even have him do I craft that fits is age rage. If he has anyone to play with out side and you live in a safe neighborhood have him go outside and get some exercise. After My kids do their homework and come back in side after playing outside for awhile I let them watch tv or do whatever they want until bed time/
 
For your 18 month old sit him in front of a whole bunch or toys instead. Playing helps him develop so many physical and mental skills. If he cries, because he wants to watch tv try to ignore him as best you can. He should break out of it sooner or later. For your 8 year make sure he is doing is homework and then when he does have him read or maybe even have him do I craft that fits is age rage. If he has anyone to play with out side and you live in a safe neighborhood have him go outside and get some exercise. After My kids do their homework and come back in side after playing outside for awhile I let them watch tv or do whatever they want until bed time/
 
For your 18 month old sit him in front of a whole bunch or toys instead. Playing helps him develop so many physical and mental skills. If he cries, because he wants to watch tv try to ignore him as best you can. He should break out of it sooner or later. For your 8 year make sure he is doing is homework and then when he does have him read or maybe even have him do I craft that fits is age rage. If he has anyone to play with out side and you live in a safe neighborhood have him go outside and get some exercise. After My kids do their homework and come back in side after playing outside for awhile I let them watch tv or do whatever they want until bed time/
 
I have the same issue with my 6 year old. If the TV isn't on she's lost for something to do. She'll play or color, but only if the TV is on. Granted I didn't start this habit, but I'm nipping it in the bud. She's technically my step-daughter and her mother was glued to the TV throughout her early years, so naturally she was too.

During the school week, I only allow a little TV in the morning while I'm fixing her hair, then an hour after school unless we're doing a movie night, where we order pizza and eat in front of the TV, most of the time we eat as a family at the table.

Anyway, a good way to nip it is just to turn the TV off. It'll be rough at first, but find some interactive toys for your 18 month old. Something that makes noise and will help entertain him and help his mind and hand-eye coordination develop. As for your older son, it'll probably be harder on him. Sit him down and explain that you want him to start using his imagination, so you're limiting TV time and you want him to start playing by himself or entertaining himself.

I know it's especially hard when you're working on your degree (I'm doing the same). It's so easy to let the TV act as an "babysitter." However, it's good that you've caught this and wish to change it. You might by your older son some books and say "For every book you read to me you can have 15 minutes of TV time."

Good luck!
 
I have the same issue with my 6 year old. If the TV isn't on she's lost for something to do. She'll play or color, but only if the TV is on. Granted I didn't start this habit, but I'm nipping it in the bud. She's technically my step-daughter and her mother was glued to the TV throughout her early years, so naturally she was too.

During the school week, I only allow a little TV in the morning while I'm fixing her hair, then an hour after school unless we're doing a movie night, where we order pizza and eat in front of the TV, most of the time we eat as a family at the table.

Anyway, a good way to nip it is just to turn the TV off. It'll be rough at first, but find some interactive toys for your 18 month old. Something that makes noise and will help entertain him and help his mind and hand-eye coordination develop. As for your older son, it'll probably be harder on him. Sit him down and explain that you want him to start using his imagination, so you're limiting TV time and you want him to start playing by himself or entertaining himself.

I know it's especially hard when you're working on your degree (I'm doing the same). It's so easy to let the TV act as an "babysitter." However, it's good that you've caught this and wish to change it. You might by your older son some books and say "For every book you read to me you can have 15 minutes of TV time."

Good luck!
 
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