Giving into tv sonwtimes

[Gateau]

DS1( 3.6) has never been great at playing by himself.So when I'm busy with chores he has always watched tv. When I'm not busy, I play with him, read to him, whatever... The tv rarely goes on when I'm not busy, except just before bedtime.
However, much as I do love to play with him I have increasingly thought that sometimes he just wants to chill out and watch telly for a while.Maybe I am forcing the playing issue a bit; admittedly I am always having to come with novel ideas and it can be hard!
So this morninghe asked if he could just war h tv and instead of saying no, I have let him.
What does everyone else do who had a child who rarely plays on their own? These are the opinions I am really only interested in as parents of children whho
play independently probably don't have a problem with tv!
Had anyone else also started to give in to tv? I guess parents can only play for so long!
Needless to sat, we go out loads. I'm obviouly just talking about when we are in the house. Apologies in advance for any typos-typing very quickly.

DD1 (2.5) watches TV (well, it's on)from when she gets up til about 9-10, when we normally go out. We usually come home for lunch then I might let her watch one programme while I'm making lunch. Then it's naptime, after that we usually go out again or if we're in the house i might play with her or try and get her to play alone for a bit, or get her to 'help' me eg give her a tea towel and let her dry all the non-breakable dishes! She might watch TV again while I'm cooking tea, then after tea she usually runs around playing til DH gets home at 7 when he takes over for bath time.

Gosh, that sounds like a lot... in my defence i have a 4 month old too!

my DD is 3.5
she no longer naps, but does have a mid-afternoon energy dip. So I park her on the sofa with a blanket for 20-30mins, in front of the telly. We have a little drink and a rest, and then everyone's in a better mood for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Wouldn't be without it .

Your DC still don't seem to watch as my DS1 does on some days! Yes,I have an 11 month old too

I'm 38 weeks pg - I'm sure DD's tv viewing is shortly about to sky-rocket.....

How about story tapes? DD (2) and DS (4) will both snuggle on the sofa under blankets and listen to these so I can get on.

DS always used to find it hard to play by himself until I instigated a total TV ban for a month because I thought it was affecting his behaviour and his sleep. He learnt to 'potter' a lot more and I think this is healthier for him. I think it's probably just as relaxing to wander around the garden poking at stuff with a stick.

TV has crept back in but I try to keep on top of it (and yes, I'm 40 weeks pregnant so it has been on a bit more recently and I'm sure it will continue to be so!!)