Too much screen time

[Dagsie94]

Hi everyone. I am new here. I really just want some help. I have a daughter who will be 3 next week. When she was two she got a tablet for her birthday. Ever since then she is on YouTube watching videos every single day. Quite a lot of the day ... I recently gave birth to a baby girl who is now 4 months. I feel like I’m constantly rushed of my feet looking after them two. So for a bit of peace I give my eldest the tablet. It’s got to a point that the first thing she says when she wakes up is “ where is my tablet” . I feel like the worst mother in the world. I feel like I’m lazy and don’t pay her enough attention. My question is- how do I wean her of the tablet? Please help me . She watches it most of the day.

Let her watch it in the morning while you sort her and baby out. Put a time limit on it, then turn it off and put it out of her reach. She might not like it but she will soon get used to it.
DS loves the iPad- I let him watch it first thing while dd watches something on Netflix kids. Once breakfast has started (between 7-7.30 depending on the day) then the screens go off. They are allowed another 20 mins after school and that's it. They moan sometimes, I remind them about their toys and books!

I put an alarm on my phone so when my boy hears it, he knows screen time is up. Works a treat.

Go easy on yourself- it's tough with a toddler and a little one and if an iPad helps then use it to maintain your sanity. Install some learning apps (phonics, CBeebies stories etc) too.

In my opinion there is nothing wrong with screen time if it’s balanced. I understand you have a baby so getting out and about may be more difficult but have you got a garden she can play it? Or a park nearby to burn off some energy? Does she play with toys a lot?

DD is 3 and loves her iPad. She often has it as soon as she wakes up. Mainly because she gets up so early and giving her the iPad means she doesn’t wake DS. The iPad is actually a life saver when we are getting ready for the day in the mornings then we limit it during the day here.

Don’t beat yourself up about it. You are not in the minority.