Kids watching t.v.

[gollygoodnessgraciousme]

Just wanting to gauge if what I'm doing is ok really. I've been struggling with my mental health which has taken a massive toll on my parenting ability. I'm trying to get back in to some kind of routine with the kids so I don't end up so frazzled by the end of the day.
The DC are really busy and active (either with me and/or DH or in childcare/school) all day until about 3.30pm when we get home. This is the hardest time as they are tired and emotional. I have tried this week to tackle this by giving them a snack and drink as soon as we get in, then spending an hour doing something together (playing or tidying or drawing etc), then putting them in the playroom while I cook tea. After tea I have allowed them to watch tv until bedtime starts, this is up to two hours. And that's my AIBU... It's too much screen time from everything I've read but it really seems to have worked this week, I've felt calmer and there have been far fewer tantrums (from any of us!). Is it that bad? Would you judge?

YANBU. Do what you need to do! Definitely no judging here.

If it works and it’s reduced the tantrums then I think it’s fine! I definitely wouldn’t judge, especially as you’re struggling with your mental health. Better 2 hours a day of screentime and the rest of the time with a healthy, happy calm mum than only 30 mins of screen time but a parent who’s struggling to engage with the kids.

That all sounds just fine to me. We all do what we need to do to get through each day. It sounds like you're doing great. Most days I get in from work exhausted and the kids don't get any of 'me' time. I try to make up for it at weekends. There's so much social media about, always making us feel that we should be 'doing it all' and making parents feel like shit. Just keep doing what works for you.

I have no judgement here, you've got to do what works for you. And as pps have said, better 2 hours and a happy family then half hour and a really difficult evening for you all.

Oh wow thank you for those replies. I feel so much better about it having strangers say it's ok, my mum and friend both said the same but can always rely on mumsnet for honest opinions! I have been kicking myself about it but also thinking surely this is better for us all than at least one of us having an emotional breakdown every night!

OP, it's fine. Trust me. TV gets your kids imagination going and it makes them happy! They will be fine.