what's the deal with preferring your dcs to watch films rather than TV?

[LetThemEatCake]

because I do, but don't know why, exactly. I mean, no partic reason except that much of CBeebies annoys the bejesus out of me.

But I seem to remember a thread on here once implying that parents who favour DVDs over TV are smug and horrible Kept meaning to read it but never got around to it.

Can someone fill me in?

I would rather my dc's watched dvd's (of my choice) than telly

Some of those CBeebies presenters are a bit , tbh

And the TV advertisements imbetween the programmes...no thank you

Not sure. I let my DS (2.3) watch Cbeebies and Milkshake but only the few programmes that he really likes, not on all the time. We also have these favourites on DVD, not sure why but we do put them on for him. As AF said, I loath the adverts and cannot believe the amount they have with all the 'wonderful' toys we must rush out to buy. I Sky + most of it so I can flick through.

Its also about my choice too, some of it I really can't stand so DS doesn't watch it, and I swore that I wouldn't do that before he was born, after all the programmes aren't for me but I refuse to let him watch the Mr Men now (have the original on DVD) but the new ones are awful and I know he is called Mr Rude, but my DS is at the age where he copies and I don't want him copying half the behaviours of the Mr Men and Little Miss.

I've never seen an advert on CBeebies...am I missing something? That's the only telly ds (3) and dd (2) watch.

There really isn't much difference to me between CBeebies or a DVD...mine watch both in fairly equal measure, and I don't pretend for a minute that either provide any intellectual benefit at all!

I do find Cbeebies easier sometimes because I can let them watch 15-30 minutes then turn it off...if a DVD is in, they tend to want to watch the entire thing, so I like to save DVDs for REALLY hideous weather, or if they are unwell and just want to chill.

CBeebies is one big advert for all the character merchandise. Having said that, I quite like it, it's the only channel DS watches.

I was talking about adverts on Milkshake (channel 5). Luckily that is the good thing about Cbeebies, not having adverts.

Yeah...I hated the adverts on Milkshake...fortunately, my kids prefer CBeebies...we don't watch it tons, and I did think it was advert free...thought I'd missed something there.

AF, why the at the CBeebies presenters? I think they are as they should be: slightly OTT silly...extra goofy for the under 5 crowd?!

The point about CBeebies is that the ads are much more insidious. The programmes are at least partly paid for by toy marketing companies, and they call the shots over the programme content. So Postman Pat now has 5 vehicles, not because it adds to the programme, but because that's 5 more merchandising opportunities. And parents watch it in the mistaken belief that it's ad-free, when in fact it's all one big advert for something or other.

I much prefer Milkshake because a lot of the cartoons are just nice little programmes in themselves, they're not just about flogging tat. I tell the DC that the ads are just there to show you what's available if it's your birthday. They don't nag me to buy the stuff because they know I'd just say no.

personally it's about controlling what my kids watch and them making an active choice to watch something, as opposed to just staring blankly at whatever is on the box. I'm not against TV, but dvd's work better in my house.

LOL...the last time we watched Milkshake, every advert was an opportunity for DS to exclaim "Mummy, we NEED that!". Never once has he said that during CBeebies...so, I'm sticking with one big advert about something or other...at least I don't have to contend with talking to them about why we don't NEED such and such...

nubbins...I am the same, I don't do any TV unless DCs ask for it, and they don't terribly often, so that's fine by me.

Just because they aren't saying it out loud doesn't mean they aren't thinking it. CBeebies is very good at the old subtle brainwashing. I agree it's a good channel, but just don't kid yourself that it's ad-free because it isn't.

"Just because they aren't saying it out loud doesn't mean they aren't thinking it"

Believe me, if they wanted the 'stuff' that they are being brainwashed to want, they would say it out loud. The fact that WE don't emphasize having 'stuff', coupled with no direct toy advertising (and again, it's not as if Cbeebies is blaring all day long), then I will still take subtlety over direct marketing...

I am not at that stage yet but imagine that developmentally, dvds might be favoured for the repetition of familiar content.. you could a few times with LO and then let them watch alone, negating the whole 'don't let them watch alone' thing. Anticipation/planning etc..

I like the CBeebies presenter. Particularly Andy.

Is that wrong?

I don't really care what parents do.

But it does make me a bit when there are threads about research showing TV has x developmental effect and posters come on to say "ahh, but little crispin only watches DVDs" as if that's different.

All the research I've read focuses on screentime and doesn't differentiate between TV and DVDs.

I favour dvds over tv.
Here are my reasons:

1. we are now living in Italy. TV is crap here, there are very inappropriate programs on daytime tv, too many adverts (and also inappropriate ones again on daytime tv).
2. I'm keen for them to watch movies/tv programs in English, to keep it up
3. It's easier to control the amount of time they are in front of the tv with dvds
4. They like to watch and rewatch the same movie/program many times

the youngvisitor, I agree...again, whether TV or DVD, PLEASE don't even try and pretend it's educational...I know kids can learn things here and there from watching, but honestly, it STILL doesn't have that much intellectual value. Both TV and DVDs are there to entertain, full stop.

Franca, if we were still in China, I would prob do exactly the same as you...TV there was just ridiculous, and there was nothing age appropriate.

I have an instant dislike of programs aimed at young children that hold even a vague reference to being intellectually stimulating...
I deffo favour a Maisy over "little Einsteins".

Actually, I think that Maisy is a masterpiece.

screentime is screentime imo although i do prefer films.

If it has a U certificate dd is allowed to watch it at weekends when the weather is rubbish. The advantage of cbeebies/milkshake is you can do brief 20 min slots. e.g. 20 mins for Mr maker which we both like. I switch off for Numberjacks (weird and sinister) and Thomas tho (dull as s**te) as neither me nor dd have any interest in them.

Dd has a friend who's parents spend their eves watching kids films to decide whether they are suitable for their dcs (3 and 6, all the films are U)before allowing them to watch them. Am I being neglectful in neither getting this nor doing this???

Blimey, that's deffo OTT imho

the great thing about dvds is that they finish and then I can turn the tv off and shove them out into the garden
cbeebies is 12 hours a day so wehn I say 'it goes off after Postman Pat' I get roars of objections

LOL @ Maisy masterpiece. DH becomes suicidal if DD picks out the Maisy CD (she doesn't like to watch TV alone).

Maiseeee, Maiseeeee
Maiseeee, Maiseeeee, Maiseeee...
Maiseeee, Maiseeee
Maisy Maisy Mouse.

"Hello, Maisy!"

"Aaaahhh-ooooooh" (says Maisy)

Yes, same here Compo.

Ooooh Penthe I have so many fond memories of Maisy, mine still watch it when they are unwell, it's their comfort program!
She is such a good role model, no? So independent, she can do almost... "everything" Maisy maisy maisy maisy mouse for president!

I am worried about Maisy, TBH. She's obviously very young still (Cf. panda), but she lives alone and operates all kinds of heavy machinery (tractor). Shouldn't Social Services be involved?

And don't even get me started on Talullah.

You're right though. I am mostly happy that she wears dungarees, rather than pink dresses...