New cm here - tv query!

[Ilovebagsandbruuuce]

I'm a newly registered childminder and have had my new mindee for a couple of sessions so far where we have enjoyed story times, craft activites etc. The tv has not yet been on!

But...she starts her full days with me next week and am wondering what childminders do about childrens tv. As a parent myself, I wouldnt mind my daughter watching a bit of cbeebies at the end of the day if she was tired and thats what she wanted to do to chill out.

But... how do other cm's/parents feel about this? I would never use the tv as a babysitter whilst i got on with other things and i guess im worried that if i allowed my mindees a bit of tv, then their parents might think badly of me.

Am i thinking too hard about this?! I want a home from home environment but am worried to in case it isn't 'the done thing'

I wouldn't mind at all if ds watched a bit of cbeebies during the day at cms house.

She has told me that at times she does offer it but he wants to just play because he loves her toys. He does love her - and her toys

I wouldn't mind either.

My mindees rarely ask for it, but I do have the TV on occasionally. I think as long as you are not using it as a babysitter, occasional use is OK. Watching TV with them can also stimulate some really interesting debates and craft ideas.

You don't say how old mindie is but I sometimes have tv on after lunch for 1/2 hour for those chn who no longer need a nap but do need a bit of down-time. My gf is open plan so although i may use the time to tidy up I am always present and we discuss the programme. It often inspires us and we love things like Something Special where we can learn together.

The TV is a resource, just like any other. It's one of the best ICT resources you can use in a home environment and the one that probably causes the most controversy.

There's nothing wrong with a bit of TV so long as it's used in moderation and with carefully selected programmes.
I reckon it's part of my job to teach the kids to use it properly and not to expect to watch it all day long. They learn that there's an OFF button they use to switch the TV off after the programme and they watch one programme only, usually an educational DVD or a CBeebies programme. How else can I show them how they make mozzerella cheese (I Can Cook), how wellies are made (Come Outside) or what a Blue Whale looks and sounds like (David Attenborough DVD) or a real rocket launch (Discovery)?

Good points Tanith. There are some things that we just cannot teach them from within our homes.

My CM plays DVDs (Balamory, nursery rhymes etc) on her laptop two or three times a week for her mindees, so that they get to watch something fun/educational, but so that there isn't always telly in the room. Not that I'd object hugely to a TV being there, but I appreciate the lack of emphasis on one.

It's up to you completely. I have TV on after lunch and while I'm doing dinner. My parents know this. If they were not happy with the amount of TV on I would ask them to look for another childminder. It's one of the things I use to survive the day!

i am a childminder have been for 8yrs now and i have never ever had the tv on during the day!!!

my cm friend on the other hand has it on alot

depends on you and the parents

prob cause we are just not a tv family my boys aged 13 and 14 dont watch tv until 7pm after dinner