TV time

[Justtryingtobeagoodmum]

So, my son never used to watch that much TV, he used to play with toys and we would do arts and crafts etc.

Then I became pregnant, and struggled with really bad hip issues. So I became lazy, the TV came on more and more. Then baby was born. He was quite intense with her, (he was two, so it wasn't his fault), but again I used TV as a distraction.

Now he's obsessed with it. And won't play unless I play to.

We go out daily and he socialises daily with adults and children. But when he's home, I feel aweful because he likes to just watch TV (he's 3 now).

I try ans play with him, but I can't do it wall the time.

If I turn the TV off, he will keep annoying his sister until she ends up crying.

Please give some advice.

[Ricekrispie22]

I'd buy a large box and decorate it with him. Make it special. Fill it with things for him to do instead of the TV. These things don't necessarily have to be new or expensive, but they should be carefully considered: toys that he can play with by himself and that are neither too advanced/complicated/challenging or too basic. Aim for construction toys such as train tracks, marble run and Duplo rather than toys which require him to use imagination/story tell such as toy farms and castles. It could be that he just hasn't yet learnt to narrate or create a scenario with role play toys. Ask him what he'd like in the box too!
Does he go to nursery? If so, what does he play with there?
Aim to get him really enthusiastic about the box. Then you can firmly say "it's toybox time now, not TV time". With time, the toys will no longer need to be kept in the box. It will just help him break his TV habit and learn to play by himself.

[cokeyhokey]

What a lovely idea @Ricekrispie22.

I have the same issue and feel like I should go cold turkey but not sure how I will leave the house in the morning with a toddler and 4m old without it , it keeps her entertained while I get everything ready.

[Justtryingtobeagoodmum]

That is a great idea. I will deffo try that. Thank you x

[JKCR2017]

I totally get you. Sometimes the TV is a great way to entertain our children and most parents admit that often it's needed.

As long, as the balance is right. Your child gets exercise, playing time, socialisation time etc etc. I don't see the problem with it.

My DS was a proper TV addict when we was younger. He's now six and isn't really interested in it at all so it hasn't affected him in the long run!

[Justtryingtobeagoodmum]

That's really good to know! And very reassuring thank you! I love getting out and about with the kids, and I hope when he's older, he will start being able to play on his own, or with his sister! X