Toddler TV watching

[Jellybella]

So we've fallen into a bit of a bad habit during this year and my toddler watches far too much tv. I also have a very needy 3 month old who doesn't like being put down at all and I'm finding it really tough to give my toddler the attention he deserves at the moment.

Not being able to pop round to friends/families houses for play dates is so tough and most usual activities are off or severely restricted (not to mention difficult with a small baby anyway). We go to the park or for a walk everyday but I can tell toddler is starting to get bored of this.

I try to play with him as much as I can but he just starts moaning that he wants to watch tv and in the end I often give him. I feel like hes missed out on so many experiences and social interaction this year because of covid at a really crucial time in his development and i feel like a bit of a crappy mummy at the moment. Has anyone got any tips?

He's 3, you're the parent. If you don't want him to watch TV, don't turn it on.

If you're worried about socialisation, you could put him in nursery or with a childminder?

If you have a 3 month old and there's lockdown I can see why you've come to rely on the tv.

Agree that it might be time to start preschool fir a couple of days a week.

Other than that, could you look at when him watching the tv is of most benefit to you both and just aim for those times?

Unfortunately we can't afford nursery at the moment as I'm on maternity leave and he doesn't get any free hours yet (just turned 2)

Yes I know I can turn it off (and I do) but it causes massive tantrums and I'm struggling to get him engaged in anything else and look after the baby at the same time. I made Christmas biscuits last night and got him to help me decorate them today but it only kept him occupied for about 20 mins or so. Feels like a massive effort!! Just feel like I'm failing a bit really :-(

My child does go to a childminder and I don’t have a 3 month old and my toddler also watches too much tv. It started in lockdown, when we were both trying to work and look after her at the same time - CBeebies became our babysitter. I try to have periods when I make sure it’s off but she does point and shout at it sometimes so I can imagine the tantrums. However, give yourself a break. As long as it’s something vaugely educational (CBeebies!) and not on allll day and you do other things too I don’t think it’s the end of the world.

Yes it started in lockdown when both trying to work too. I used to just put on CBeebies but my husband introduced him to paw patrol and now he's obsessed. Will try and steer him back towards CBeebies to feel less guilty.
Good to know I'm not the only one, this has been a tough year!

It's really hard, cut yourself some slack. Try and give yourself a limit each day for when you really need it and stick to it. But I'm with you, my DD has been watching more TV than I'd like, not too much but more than I want and sometimes I do have to just say to myself I'm in charge here and switch it off. We have a baby bank in our area so I often donate toys and pick up toys for free so it's like a swap, then there's a new toy to help when I really need some time. Is there anything like this in your area?