to get my one year old a fire TV (kids)?

[keysonthehighshelf]

One of those tablets? I wouldn't use it all the time. He's only 14 months. I'm a lone parent. Dad not around (domestic abuse). I really struggle sometimes when I need a shower or he's just really fractious and nothing will calm him down. I read so much about tech and TV being bad for kids and it's so hard to strike a balance. Is he too young? Trying my best.

Yes I think he’s too young. But you’ll get lots of people saying it’s fine. Totally up to you.

Personally, I wouldn’t. Even with the best of intentions they become relied on far too much.

I would let him watch a small amount of tv as it’s less portable iykwim. Some toddler programmes for a very short period of time.

I have one for my 21 month old. We bought it at easter last year for us flying to Europe - his dad is from there so it is 2 flights each way to visit his family twice a year.
Ds used to use it for white noise in bed at night, for our flights and the odd morning if he is awake really early and we haven't had time to shower etc yet.
Very occasionally it gets used at big family dinners out on special occasions eg a.long long time sitting in the high chair.
If you will put limits on it I don't think it is all bad and I find it useful to be able to have a shower in peace (dh works away alot)

I think the problem is once you get one it's a lot harder to limit its use. Best laid plans and all that. 10 minutes when you have a shower becomes 20, then you get it out when you need to cook dinner, because you're tired, because it's raining, in the car and so on.

You have my sympathy as it must be difficult, but I think the portability makes them a lot easier to over use than watching TV for example.

That sounds tough

I’m not single but I do have a clingy/intense child (she’s been that way since day dot) and DP and I joke about ‘Aunty Samsung’.

Truth be told you do what you need to do. In theory it’s great to use screens sparingly but if you have a child that needs constant, unrelenting guidance and direction to amuse themselves and just won’t do it themselves then it doesn’t leave you much choice if the screen is the only guaranteed way to get some time to do what you need to, even if that’s just gathering your own thoughts.

Stay conscious of it though to give you the motivation to counter it as much as you can. It’s much harder in the winter but I think you’ll find yourself making the effort to organise other activities if you cut yourself some slack on the screen time.

I’ve been stayed firm that there’s no screens at bedtime but I will admit the temptation is strong with a child that just won’t get out of my bed and almost four years of broken/awful sleep to just give her access to a screen since it’s the one thing that seems to ‘still’ her. I completely understand why people do end up allowing them.

I think my gut is telling me not to. I'm just so exhausted. Maybe I need to start a thread on alternative toys that might keep him as occupied. I need a break.

Oh get it for him OP

So many on here are obsessive re "screen time" and if its so you can have a quick shower etc there is no harm . None.

Mine had a tablet at that age, loaded only with baby/toddler puzzles,games and stories.
Usage was never an issue, I just limited it as I saw fit to.

Using a tablet to give you some much needed peace for 20 mins will not harm your baby.

Can you not just put the telly on?