My child doesn't see the world outside the TV

[Angelika7]

My child doesn't see the world outside the TV. What games and activities will effectively help distract a 3.5-year- old child from watching cartoons?

Is the a reason you can't take them outside?

Can you turn off the tv?

If you don't put the TV on they can't watch the TV.

Going to the park

Why do you think that might be OP?

Literally anything. Take them to the park, on a walk, do some painting or drawing, go and throw sticks in a river, try and teach them hopscotch (that’s hilarious), play with magnetic tiles or toy cars or dolls… honestly literally anything. Just turn the tv off, you’re the adult.

I'm not sure I understand "doesn't see the world outside of TV". Every child needs to interact with the world directly, not through a screen. It really isn't a nice to have, it's a basic need. Apologies if I've misunderstood.

If they have additional needs, I'd look at getting external support to facilitate this. It is no life for a child to live through a TV.

At that age you just turn the TV off and put up with any tantrums. My nearly 4 year old loves playing with small world characters, drawing/painting, and books. Some of his friends prefer building toys and puzzles. If the tv isn't an option they'll do something else eventually.

You're going to need to explain what you mean op if you want any help.

Take the telly away for a week. Tell your child it's gone to be mended. Make a list of indoor and outdoor activities you can do together and get on with it. Try to leave the house every day.

Sorry, what? Are they housebound for medical reasons?

Turn off the TV and take them outside.

If you turn the TV off, your child won't see it all day long.

Is there a reason why you can't take her out of the house every day?

OP are you disabled, or has your DD got special needs?

Tell us some more about the situation op.

Are they unable to leave the house due to medical reasons. Try craft like play doh or paper, paint. and cup up sponges as stampers

Turn off the tv and take them outside would be a sensible option but are you physically/mentally able to do that?
Is there something preventing you from being outside with your little one?

You could put the tv in the loft or get rid of it. And unless your child is in a sterile bubble for medical reasons, you could take him outside.

Why don't you just switch off your television set and go and do something less boring instead?

(although I appreciate anyone under 50 might not get the reference)

I thought I would allow my children to watch a reasonable amount of TV (maybe 1 hour a day) and am completely non-judgmental about it but have limited it to after dinner on a Sunday and when travelling (e.g. plane, train or car) as my daughter gets so engrossed and has a complete meltdown when I turn it off. We just never have it on and put our phones away while in the house so we're not on screens either. Lots of books, puzzles, puzzle books, duplo and music on for dancing and singing help distract them when at home.

I'd limit screen time, and to be fair if it's becoming a pain getting them off it/to focus on something else I'd go cold turkey for a while. Most kids would prefer to be glued to the TV from morning til night I think! It's about setting ground rules and then engaging them in other activities.

Are they in pre-school/nursery ?

Can you do walk. parks - toddler groups/soft play/days out.

Do they like books - audio or otherwise - do they play with toys - help you do household tasks - how much adult interaction do they have with you?

I used to reserved TV for when I needed them quiet like cooking tea - then I'd put something on like number jacks, alpha blocks or charlie and Lola - or they'd have occasional day in front of TV when I was really ill and frankly not up to much - but they were out and about in world rest of the time.

I got it! It always pissed my mum off no end, as they wanted you to watch that programme! (I can't actually remember the name of the show)

‘Why Don’t You?’

Why don't you - that was the name of the show.

👍 thank you, that would've been bugging me!