Constantly asking to watch tv

[Helpmeintheholidays]

Dd, 5 is driving me crazy being off school and constantly wanting to watch tv. I play with her (granted not all the time) we have some days out at the beach, playground, cafe, play dates. Days when we’re inside just trying to relax are a nightmare. She has a pool in the garden, trampoline, splash pad, mud kitchen, bike, scooter, jigsaws, toys, books, teddies, arts & crafts etc etc and just walks around saying she’s bored and asking to watch tv

Anyone else? It’s driving me crazy, I remember as a kid learning how to occupy myself and using my imagination.

Unpopular opinion here but I don't see the problem with it. Especially when the weather is so rubbish. When mine were small they would watch tv in the morning for an hour or so and then after lunch for a bit. When it was nice out the patio doors would be open and they were in and out so definitely easier. It's hard to entertain them all day and some programs are quite educational. I worked from home some days and I hate to say it but it was the only way I could keep them quiet and not arguing if I was on a call. I'm afraid it only gets worse when they are older!

I think it’s more the content of what she wants to watch nowadays, before it was CBeebies or Bluey etc, now she wants to watch quick fire things on kids YouTube that are just silly, American crap. I’ve said we can watch Bluey, films etc, but she keeps wanting to watch these and these are the things she’ll sit and watch for ages, sure it can’t be good for her!

There's loads of research that shows TV isn't educational. It's passive and children don't engage in it in the same way they learn from experiences or other people. If it were educational, teaching would be a whole lot easier and cheaper. If you need it for your own sanity then fine, or because you want your child to do something they enjoy, but don't kid yourself it's good for them.

In all honesty, I would consider taking YouTube off or seriously restricting what can be seen on it. That kind of watching is particularly addictive and damaging to attention spans. It's often associated with behaviour difficulties, anecdotally.

I think it's best to just have a clear policy and repeat, repeat, repeat. They will eventually get it.

Maybe an hour after lunch? Or just after dinner? On only on the weekend?

Just explain to her that there is a new policy and then stick to it. She will get the message.

@Everydayimhuffling Yes have removed in now, that was my worry. She used to watch Bluey etc on it, then some slime videos came on and her recommended are all these type, they’re awful.

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Just have a clear rule about when and what she can watch, and ignore it any requests outside that.

I don’t think the quick fire things are good at all - they fuck with concentration and are designed to be addictive.

So just ban anything you don’t want her seeing.

You could always just say no it really doesn't take long for them to start using their imagination and play or do art. Im a cm when older children start they are board for a bit then suddenly start playing screens are just easy go too things

I've found having it a bit routiney helps (slightly) prevent constant asking. So during the hols they know the TV goes off after breakfast and then it goes back on again at the end of the day when the toys have been tidied up so I can cook tea in peace.