Weaning a toddler off tv

[milkyman]

My 2 yr old has recently been poorly and watched a lot of postman pat - he is now obsessed with it and won't eat without it on, on the sofa. He wants it in all the time and has massive tantrums - he's also dropped his nap so is awful by the evening. What should I do and how do I fill the time as I don't have much energy at the moment and breakdown in tears.

Can you change your mealtime routine for a couple of days so e forgets about 'needing' to sit in front of the TV to eat? Maybe make sure you are out over lunchtime and grab a toastie to share in a cafe? And for dinner maybe plan a meal where he can 'help' you cook it "for daddy" (or another family member) and then all sit at the table to eat.

Failing that: go cold turkey. Tell him the tv is broken and just don't have it on for a few days. Go out to a playgroup/rhyme time each morning, and then to the shops/visit a friend or something else every afternoon. Minimise the amount of time you spend at home (I agree, it's dreadful trying to entertain a toddler at home and I frequently resort to the Tv...find the only way to avoid it is to go out! Roll on the summer when we can all spend long afternoons in the park).

Will he accept 30 mins in his cot with books and teddies so you get a break, even if he doesn't have a nap?

I call it "quiet time" on days when DS won't nap.