AIBU to let my 2 y/o watch so much iPad?

[MelroseGrainger]

I’m expecting some flames…and I will listen to it. I know it’s not great. But I’m also curious if people have non-judgemental views about iPad use?

Our DD is nearly 2.5 and watches A LOT of iPad every day. Hours of it. It’s the go-to for her otherwise very present and engaging and loving and affectionate father.

But, here’s the thing…I think she’s actually pretty advanced in language and numeracy. She can name all but 3 or 4 letters of the alphabet (which we haven’t actively taught her). She knows how to count actual objects, up to about 5 or 6 (we’ve taught her this mostly. But it’s been reinforced by YouTube videos). She knows how to say three colours in Spanish (we’ve not taught her this)

She can also now independently type in the first two or three letters of something specific she’s looking for, and choose the correct auto-suggested word from the search list.

She gets lots of other activities and time outside, lots of mummy and daddy time and crafts etc. So we’re not awful parents. I don’t think!

But interested to hear if we’re still rotting her brain and social abilities, or if she’s getting the pay off from so much learning (and evident enjoyment)

runs and ducks for cover

You work from home while minding a young child? Do you have an employer or are you self employed

Or have I fallen for a joke post?

I'd be worried about exacerbating ADHD with that level of screen time I'm afraid.

I was trying to work out if that was a joke too… I hope so!

You think she's advanced but it's just repetition, your DD could learn these things from you.

My child is the same age and we do use the tv in the living room for maximum 30 minutes a day (sometimes none). We do occasionally use the iPad together in bed to watch bluey if we're having a lazy Sunday morning.

It's not good for them and not something I'd be leaning on. Your child can learn so much through imaginative play and just being with you and her dad.

OP you're letting your child become addicted to it at a very early age. Too much of anything is rarely good for people. What's wrong with taking your child out to communicate and meet others and play with other toys? I honestly think you will have a problem down the line when your child doesn't want or know how to join in or share or turn take the same as other children. 1/2 an hour a day is plenty for a little tot.

This thread led me to read the WHO guidelines and I think it's really worth looking at

www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/public-health/screen-time-for-children-under-5?sso=y

I think my biggest takeaway is it is better to use a family room television rather than a screen as well as limiting screen time

I actually didn't realise the recommendation was so high, an hour a day seems like a lot to me

Girl, bye! I work from home with my child sitting right next to me.

mine get ipad on a weekend morning only.

purely because i want a lie in until 8am, and its the only way the house actually gets one.
thats literally an hour they get of ipad in a morning. They do not get ipads ever during the day. The tv goes on sometimes during the day, rarely - they are genuinly not interested in the tv though - we go out a lot. Walks/parks/nature hunts - outside tons.

Unless I am feeling poorly then ipad is a free for all lol