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Am I a chav parent for putting my 14 week old DS in front of the TV???

54 replies

naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:21

DS currently in front of the TV watching CBeebies or CITV.. kicking his legs and yelping and laughing.. am I a terrible parent or is it good for his development? (Before you suggest it, I have just ordered the Baby Einstein DVDs).

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TrinityRhino · 02/10/2007 16:23

hmm, well I just found out how CHAV originated so no I wouldn't say you were at all

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:25

really? how did it?

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TrinityRhino · 02/10/2007 16:27

well I don't know if it's truebut apparently it stands for 'Council House And Violent'!!

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berolina · 02/10/2007 16:27

Not good for his development, IMO, but I wouldn't say you're a terrible paren either (hell, if we had a TV I expect I would have used it for ds1 pacifying purposes by now). That said, I think recommendations are no TV under 2...

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Spidermama · 02/10/2007 16:28

I'm sorry to say This which is based on real scientific research, would suggest you are doing him a grave diservice.

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:28

oh, in that case I guess I'm not.
But should I feel guilty?

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berolina · 02/10/2007 16:28

do they actually really 'watch' at 14 weeks, anyway? isn't it all a blur still?

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hanaflower · 02/10/2007 16:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

funnypeculiar · 02/10/2007 16:30

i wouldn't - don't see the point of TV for littlies. At 14 weeks, he'll be just as happy with a mobile.
DS didn't watch any til nearly 3, dd has jsut managed to start sneaking a little bit (19 mths)

But no, not a chav. hideous word, imho.

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Hulababy · 02/10/2007 16:31

If it is once every so often then it'll be fine. Although at 14 weeks it'll be just the flashing lights and noise that will catch his attention if anything.

Don't make it too often though and make sure it is more than balanced by a whole range of other interactive activities too.

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:32

what do I do with him then when I want a few minutes off? I spend (or DH etc.)probably 98% of every day feeding him, holding him, talking to him, singing to him, massagin him, bathing him.. I need some time off, but want him to be happy!

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:33

Don't get me wrong - it's only maybe 30 mins a couple of times a week.

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funnypeculiar · 02/10/2007 16:33

Does he need you to do anything? Give him a few toys & let him have a break too . Or hang up some CDs on string (mine wold watch those for HOURS) Actually, dd would watch the radiator for hours

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:34

and what should be so bad about watching some bright colours and hearing cute little voices?

We do use his mobile, but it's part of his bedtime routine s don't really want to confuse him (esp as getting dark now).

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:35

can't really hold toys - he's too young and drops them. Do have toys, mobile, bouncer chair, music.. but he's not at all easy to leave alone and almost always needs me to entertain him.

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MrsBadger · 02/10/2007 16:36

as funnypeculiar says, mobile, baby gym or play arch

buys me 20min each morning to shower (dd 7wks)

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Hulababy · 02/10/2007 16:38

I personally have no problem with a bit of TV. DD saw a TV when tiny and her development was in no way impaired - infact she walked and talked earlier than average.

However too much is definitely not ideal.

For time out for you, does he have other toys he can play with on the floor - a play mat, an activity centre, little soft toys, etc.

And for things to hear - baby CDs? or music stations on the radio.

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:39

totally agree - also use the mobile first thing in morning to enable shower.. but think effect wears off when mobile used evening, night and morning and the AGAIN during the day.. he gets bored quite easily.

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GColdtimer · 02/10/2007 16:39

DD loved watching the washing machine! Do you think that's the same thing?!

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Tommy · 02/10/2007 16:39

naturopath - you are not going to harm him at all. What is the diference, at this age, between watching a mobile, some CDs hanging up, a washing machine or a telly? It's just coulourful noisy things that keep his attention.

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Tommy · 02/10/2007 16:39

colourful - obviously

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:41

of course! have and use all of those things.. just felt like a change and wondered if it was actually such a terrible thing (as I always thought) or whether perhaps everyone did it and their los were no worse off.

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GColdtimer · 02/10/2007 16:44

When dd was about that age we had the World Cup and Wimbledon and so she pretty much had no choice but to watch a bit of TV. Personally I think its a question of balance and so I wouldn't worry about a small amount of TV. There will be those on here however that will disagree.....

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naturopath · 02/10/2007 16:44

only thought as he seemed very animated and is generally extremely alert.. it's something to interst him iykwim

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GColdtimer · 02/10/2007 16:45

Sorry, meant to add that she is 18 months and does'nt seem any worse off for it. She watches probably about 20-30 minutes a day and I am not worried about that amount at all.

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