TV question

[megcleary]

Probably a phase but have a question,
we try not to let DD watch too much TV mainly an hour or so on a friday after nursey and some at the weekends.

Occasionally I watch something when I am hoemwithe her in the day "mummys programme" then she gets hers maybe for half an hour.

Anyway last few days has been constant I want my programme from DD she is 2.6.

We watched te rugby yesterday (woo hoo Ireland) and the whole time she chanted I want mey programme, the whole 80 minutes.

Today DH took her to visit her cousin, he is a few moths younger and the TV is on all the time in the background and he takes no notice of it plays watches now and again etc but as it was on DD was transfixed for and age and not playing.

So have we made it the holy grail by rationning it and now she is obsessed or do we keep doing what we are doing and the constant demands is a phase?

I think you continue as you are. She will learn from consistency.

As for the younger cousin, many younger dc just arn't as transfixed by TV as the older ones are. Certainly none of mine were particularly intersted in TV until at least your dd's age, maybe even older. They might watch 20min, but then wander off. Go back to their house in 6m time, and it might be a different story.

Another voice for carry on as you are. Holy Grail or not doesn't matter; it will be many years before she can turn her obsession (if she had one, which I doubt) into anything practical- for the moment you are in charge and rightly so. And in the meantime, research has shown that having the TV on as constant background noise is actually bad for children's concentration. Whingeing may be more annoying for you, but it's likely to be short term, and doesn't mess with her development.

Rightio will continue to be the rotten harsh mother I think I am

any more advice on the loose?

I think expecting a 2yo to watch 80min of rugby is excessive IMO. But I'm with all those who think its a bad idea to have the tv on as background noise, I think limiting it is a very good idea and I don't think you're harsh at all.
Since my dd turned 2 (she's nearly 3 now) she hasn't had a daytime nap, but watching tv is some great down time and relaxation for her over lunch time, she usually watches two mr tumbles, so about 40min total. It gives both of us a break and really refreshes her. I also let the dcs watch 20min or so while I make dinner to stop them clawing at my ankles. Its usually not turned on at all at the weekend as DH is around so there's always someone to play with her while the other cooks or puts their feet up. At the end of her chosen programme she knows to just turn the tv off, if she doesn't then she sacrifices her next opportunity to watch.

And in response to your issue of her saying 'i want my programme', I insist on dd saying 'please may I watch' and if she starts nagging I say something like 'You may watch your programme while I cook tea, but if you ask again I won't let you' and that usually works!

She has dropped her nap too but is unstoppable in the day. We didn't expect her towatch the rugby I was watching it and playing with her as well. Will stick to my guns with the TV
ta all