My DD seems obsessed with TV!

[milkfromthesleepycow]

Im a few months into my maternity leave with my 2 DDs (11weeks and 2.5) I love DD1 dearly but Im finding her behaviour with TV so hard to handle. Up until I started my maternity leave she was looked after by my ILs who always had the TV on in the background at their house. They also let her watch TV, which we didnt at home. I think it must have been a lot more than I realised (we had many conversations and agreed on no more than 20 mins a day, although I Didn't feel I could insist too much as they were doing me a massive favour!)

Since Ive been off Dd1 constantly asks to watch TV if we're at home. If I dont get her out of the house first thing in the morning she will throw a tantrum if I try and get her outside. And whenever shes here she just says she wants to watch various programs (most of which she cant watch anyway as we only have a TV for watching films on)

I cant get her to engage in anything else inside. I try and do drawing, cooking, play with her and her toys etc but it only lasts a few minutes before shes asking for TV again.

We go out at least 4 mornings a week and she seems fine and happy when we're out doing activities but it starts again when we get home. And frankly Im pretty tired at the moment and would just like to spend some lazy days in the house!

I thought it would get better over time but Ive been off for 3 months now and its worse than ever! I didnt switch it on and just kept offering alternative activities but she only seemed to ask more and her tantrums became epic. I held out for 2 months but evntually caved as her behaviour was just getting worse and worse. I thought moderation might help and the screaming tantrums did stop but she asks for it all the time still. Any advice gratefully recieved, Id just love for her not to want it SO much as Im concerned.

Maybe compromise with a 15min program/cartoon for youngers, in the morning, then when time is up give her a game or toy?
Sorry, I only have a 10mo baby but understand you concerns about screentime.
A little bit is probably alright but too much is def bad.

How often are you letting her watch it now?

It started as twice a week but now its every day Im at home with both of them alone. DH works long shifts so is out 630 to 9 three times a week. Its fine on the days hes here, few requests but managable. It just escalates out of control when its just me. It bothers me so much. I really dislike TV and struggle to cope with her wanting to watch it

thanks for replies

You don't say how much every day though? Every day is fine as long as it's not excessive.

You say you only use it for films. Would you consider moving it to your bedroom and saying it's broken? When she gets less obsessed you could say it's fixed but to be watched in your bedroom, and then it's not in her face all the time?

To be honest for a 2.5 year old when you have a baby I would say that even 2-3 hours a day spread out isn't too much. Make sure what she's watching is quality/accessible to her understanding, so at that age low octane (Pepper Pig/Tractor Ted rather than Octonauts or Chuggington) and the same thing over and over again and give yourself a break!

purplecow shes watching half an hour on a good day and three hours on a bad day (if I get caught up with dd2 usually).

Today was a very good day and we had none at all! Actually managed to go for a walk, cook, do some painting and dance about the living room. Downside is that I now feel like Im neglecting the baby!
Im hoping desparately that itll get easier when dd2's a bit bigger and I can play with both of them together.

littlef00t unfortunately theres no room in the bedroom but I have considered moving it into a cupboard!

Mrscog thanks for advice and understanding, I am trying to cut myself a little slack now