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Toddler addicted to TV

4 replies

GailForce4356 · 21/06/2022 14:21

My 20 month old is addicted to the television.

We used to just have it on in the background or in the morning whilst I was getting breakfast and stuff organised. It's now got to the stage it's the first thing he does when he comes downstairs is hand me the remote.

He is also starting to come in from playing in the garden because he wants to watch tv.

When I put it off or say no he has a full scale meltdown. He won't eat either if it's not on.

He will cry and cry.

I've tried redirecting his attention to another toy or activity but he will play for about 15 mins and then hunt for the remote again.

I don't think it helps that's when I'm at work my parents and in laws let him watch tv.

Even now though if a kids show is on he isn't happy he will cry and scream and point at the tv until we put on what he wants. Half the time I don't know what that is though.

I know it's 100% my fault but I want to break this terrible habit now. I don't think it helped that when we were isolating during covid and couldn't go out it was all we could really do.

We go out to classes and he is fine but at home or in other peoples houses it's all he wants to do. I feel his behaviour and tantrums are getting worse and worse.

Help !!!

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Miriam101 · 21/06/2022 14:42

I feel your pain but this is just a situation where there is a very simple solution: just don't put the TV on! Every time he hands you the remote just say "no, no TV now" and ideally quickly pivot to something else. Of course he'll protest but you just have to ride it out. He's only 20 months old and won't remember it much within a couple of weeks if you don't let him watch any.

MeltdownCentral1 · 21/06/2022 16:21

Just go cold turkey. The meltdowns are a given but he will get over it with time.

GailForce4356 · 21/06/2022 19:17

@Miriam101 @MeltdownCentral1

Yeah i think we will need to!

Today I just put it off and when he cried and cried I took him out instead.

It's so tough!

OP posts:
Miriam101 · 21/06/2022 20:16

@GailForce4356 that's great! Not that he cried and cried, but that you took him out- so much better for him. Well done. And good luck!

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