To get annoyed at my in laws for letting my 1yr old & 2yr old watch too much tv?

[Grublets13]

Recently moved closer to my husbands family. My boys spend time with them on a fairly reg

[Kaleela]

I think there are bigger issues than that to be annoyed about in life. If you're annoyed, ask them to stop.

[MarthasGinYard]

If it annoys you that much

Don't leave them with GP's for such long stretches of time.

[CripsSandwiches]

I just wouldn't have them babysit for too long. If you're there with them you can akways say no to the TV.

[Meandmetoo]

How much is too much?

[SleepingStandingUp]

Well either your boys are spending time with you there, so ask to turn it off / put it on an adult channel /take toys

Or they're doing childcare. If they're doing childcare, you can express a preference and explain it makes them harder to put to bed etc but ultimately if you don't like it, stop using them.

How often are they there? Are you paying them?

[riotlady]

I think you need to let go and acknowledge that’s the joy of being at granny and grandads house!

My mum gives my daughter her meals with her high chair plonked in front of a Disney movie, and has a never ending supply of biscuits. It’s all part of the circle of life- when I was little my mum NEVER let us eat in the living room but my Granny would!

[YemenRoadYemen]

So they babysit and/or provide childcare? If you're not happy with it, pay a non-family member.

[Grublets13]

Uploaded prematurely by my 1 year old. 👆🏻😂

My boys see my in laws on a fairly regular basis. They are both content, happy wee boys who enjoy playing with their toys. We watch wee films and cartoons together occasionally but I don't put children's tv on daily for them. However my in laws have CBeebies on in the background whenever they watch them. My MIL believes it's educational and does no harm. I'm all for them using a bit of 'tv babysitting' if they need too but the fact CBeebies is never off drives me nuts. Should I ask again for them to limit the tv or just leave it?

[TokyoSushi]

If they're helping you out by looking after the kids I'd leave it, it's not like they're giving them drugs.

[AuntieCJ]

If they are providing child care then leave it. If you are there just switch off the TV.

[Sirzy]

Pick your battles!

They are helping you out by watching them. A bit of tv in the background occasionally isn’t going to create any major problems

[elQuintoConyo]

DE had a lot of TV at GPs, by about 3yo he could just some it out, it holds nothing special for him.

He's now 8yo and can take TV or leave it. He'd much rather be running around cos he has ants in his pants

If they're helping you out with babysitting, I'd say let them crack on. DC will be able to distinguish 24/7 TV at GP's house, more toys and games at home.

[elQuintoConyo]

DS and zone it out

[Grublets13]

I've not pushed it too much because I do think their house, their rules. However, they'll soon start looking after them 3 days a week. Paid agreement. If they are watching them for a full day then CBeebies is on from 7.30am-7pm.

[theresafoxunderthedecking]

i used childrens tv for my lot and didn't use tight restricted times, but as it was a big family there were always play mates and friends round so lots happening.they all grew up to be capable adults, who hardly watch tv now. i really don't get the '1/2 hour of t.v a day' thing if your good, and like wise with 'sweets on friday' ffs loosen up !

[melissasummerfield]

I think you should be greatful that they are giving you a break tbh

So many posters on here have no help at all and i dont know how they cope without a little break every know and then!

[HopefulAgain10]

I dont yabu to ask them to limit screen time. Almost 12 hours a day is just too much. Maybe plan some activities and send it weekly for them to do with them

[SleepingStandingUp]

If you're paying them for child are I think you're in a better position to say you want it limiting, 12 of CBEEBIES would drive every one crazy, especially as the shows are repeated in the afternoon from the morning.

Will they not be taking them out at all? 3 days of being stuck in the house from literally wake up to sleep is a fair bit of sitting indoors.

[MarthasGinYard]

If you are paying them for 3 days a week childcare for a one and two year old, then I'm presuming that's at least a few hundred pounds a week.


In this instance as you are actually paying them I would mention a few bits about their routines including TV etc.

....if you are paying them 50 quid a day then suck it up

[nombrecambio]

It's quite exhausting for grandparents to watch children for long hours. The TV probably relieves some of the stress.

Are they actively watching the TV or is it just background noise?

[OhioOhioOhio]

Yeah if they are helping for free you have to keep your mouth shut.

[Amongstthetallgrass]

Just leave it.

[Chocolatecake12]

If you will have a paid agreement with them and it’s 3 days a week with full on tv I’d say something. You need to treat it like any other childminder tbh. Decide what you think is reasonable - then relax a bit as its grandparents house - then make your plea.
I’d suggest for example no tv before lunch/ or before 3pm/ whatever you decide.

[MsSquiz]

I think there's a difference between putting your kids bang in front of the tv for them to stare at for hours on end, and having it on in the background while playing and interacting with your children.

If it's the first option, then I would say something, maybe ask that it's only on for a few hours. if the second, it wouldn't bother me at all

[00100001]

Jeez, it seems unfair to send two kids to their GPs for 12 hours, 3 times a week

The GPs will be exhausted!

They may as well just have them overnight in this days, as the kids will be just going home to sleep!