DD (5) been off school since Wed with an ear infection, and has done nothing really bar watch tv

[Pawslikepaddington]

Have I rotted her brain? She is normally allowed 1 hour a day, unless she is watching a film and then it is an hour and a half, while I cook dinner, tidy up etc.

She is too ill to go outside, and we have done lego, sticking, drawing, playing etc, but not that much. She is normally so full of energy that she won't sit down for long enough to watch tv-it won't harm THAT much will it? Make me feel like I am not microwaving her brain!

There's nothing wrong with her having a rest. They encourage children at the hospital to watch TV when they are ill.

Thanks scrooged-I love you for that now! It is just so nice to have some quiet . And her balance is off so if she does get up or try to do anything she falls over, or her head swims, so we end up with hysterical tears and she has to lie down again. Barbie does seem to have some magic hypnotic effect though-hmm

no that is fine - it is what she needs - lots of rest and not too much to think about.

have different rules for when they are ill.

DS watched whole series of doctor who (and more) when he had an ear infection. Is horribly exhausting.

Thanks BBBee, can no longer inwardly smug up when the neighbours little girl tells me how many films she watches after school now! Serves me right!

Ear infections are horrible - TV might be mind numbing but that is the best thing when you are ill.

And hot chocolate and being cuddled up on the sofa with duvets

sounds like heaven to me - nothing better when you're ill
although if you still feel guilty, how about a few magazines/colouring books?
She can't go out in this cold with a dodgy ear and dodgy balance, so there's not much else - apart from needlepoint!
Hope she gets well soon.