Screen time debate

[Bilkkk]

I constantly get guilt over this. I am a mum of 2 (2y 11mo and 11mo). Sometimes screentime helps me sort one child the youngest normal get her ready nappy change bottle etc

sometimes we wind down together watch a show or two my eldest likes. I constantly have felt guilty over any screentime while trying to be a fun mum and not overly strict and rule everything out!

I just seen a post (I know please don’t tell me off I shouldn’t browse Instagram on my work break) about American pedtricians who give screentime recommendations, some say non some say bits and bobs etc. none before bedtime

the comments were mixed I seen “an hour is way too much” but sometimes we watch it spread across the day? If DS wakes at 5.30 then goes to bed at 7-8pm 1 hour spread across that day isn’t bad?

and before bed we watch some stuff while he’s chilled with a cup of milk and he’s a good sleeper. He brushes his teeth(I help) we go to bed, read 2 books and go to bed. He sleeps through

PS - he goes to nursery, we go out all the time - library, walks, play centres and I take him on errands with me.

I just wondered what is normal. I constantly feel guilty over any screentime but then I just don’t want to be a mum who restricts so much that he becomes obsessed when he’s older and wants it

I heard someone in work say her parents were strict on sweets/chocolate and she found herself growing up with a major sweet tooth and seeking it out as it was forbidden by parents. And I get this theory a bit

Just let them have the screens and be happy! Dont sweat it.

Thanks I try not to google it as I’d go into a rabbit hole and convince myself screens will ruin my kids and I’m a terrible mum I don’t know why it’s such a trigger for me!

I never use screens to occupy my kids (6 and 2) outside of the house ever. It's colouring books / eye spy / imaginary games / chatting or taking in the surroundings all the way for us.

But for some reason at home that kind of goes out the window and I revive the toddler or eldest my phone or iPad if I need them to just sit still for ten mins! Handy for cooking, showering etc.

I think it's all about balance. Yes they can be glued to screens at home but not all the time and they actually have quite an outdoorsy childhood overall (we have a dog and live near both beach and countryside).

You have to do what you have to do.

Regularly give that should've said not revive!

Mine are almost 10 and 13 now and I did allow screen time when they were younger, similar to what you're doing by the sounds of it. No ill effects to report.
Don't stress about it, you're doing fine

The screen time debate is way overblown. Our generation turned on the telly as soon as we got home from school and we never worried about it. I much prefer the wealth of screen options for kids nowadays. My daughter is able to pursue her specific interests on YouTube instead of mindlessly vegging out in front of a boring cartoon because that used to be the only choice. She has learned to crochet, draw and paint with watercolours from YouTube tutorials. If I'd restricted her screen time she never would have found her passions.

I'm sure the worried mother brigade will be on here soon so enough to piss on everybody's cornflakes but I find these people rarely exist outside the Mumsnet bubble. Normal people let their kids watch stuff and most kids turn out fine.