Mommy Brain: The Great Debate: TV Time

If you know me, you know I am a serial television addict. I live for my “stories”—my stories, however, are more Kardashian and less How the World Turns. If I had the chance, I could literally spend days (maybe weeks) watching TV.

Now, even though I’m an out-and-open television lover, I had strong feelings on not letting my child turn into a self-imposed TV zombie. I may cherish my reality TV shows now—but growing up, I (like most people my age) preferred playing outside or with my Barbie dolls more than sitting in front of the TV. Quite the difference from today’s X-BOX crazed four year olds.

I started my days as “mommy” as a diligent no television advocate. No screens, of any kind, whatsoever. Well, in today’s technology obsessed world—that proved darn near impossible. By six months, I was willing to let Lacey listen to an auto-read book on the iPad, play an app on my iPhone, and even sparingly watch a show or two on a particularly laundry-ridden day.

Now-a-days, I’m sad to say that my days of TV-silence have been replaced with the constant noise of “Disney Jr. On Demand.” Few things make Lacey happier than hearing the theme song to Sofia the First blare out of the television. She’s gone from the no-screen-queen to Princess Sofia’s best friend and biggest fan. We have the soundtrack downloaded on my phone and the CD blaring in our car—and on particularly crabby car rides; it’s the only thing to get her to calm down.

Still, every time she squeals with delight when she sees the television switch on, I cringe on the inside. Doctors everywhere scream for “no screens before age 2”—stating that it causes children to have severe delays on language development, reading skills, and short-term memory. It’s even been related to sleep problems (and my little rarely-sleeps-through-the-night baby does not need any help in that department!). Once children reach age two, and their brain is somewhat more developed, educational television can prove beneficial— but for now, doctors everywhere are urging for babies to realize that life does not happen in the 2D form seen on their favorite shows.

Even knowing the facts, I can’t imagine going on a telly-vision hiatus anytime soon. I think in today’s world, it’s growing more and more difficult each day to keep your baby screen-clean for the first 24 months of his or her precious little life. I mean, I’m sorry, but that baby is going to spot you answering your phone from half-way across the house and want to get to the phone (and promptly stick it right in her drool-covered mouth) more than you’ve wanted anything in your whole entire life.

To the same extent, I do feel as though screens are being overused. In our house personally, television has begun to turn into a clutch. I see Lacey whip her head toward the television as we enter a room to check to see if it’s on—and it’s all I need to know that we are watching too much of the darn stuff. Therefore, I created a TV detox from 12-5 P.M. daily in our house. Sure, I love our morning cuddles as mommy drinks her much needed cup of coffee and watches Ellen (hey! She teaches good values, right!?). And I’m fine with the TV being on after dinnertime—so long as Lacey is playing with her toys while she watches. But for us, we need that mandatory five hour no-show zone each day. It may not seem like much—but it’s a start!

During our break between morning and evening nap, it’s so important for us to get out and do something! Whether that be errands, a walk, or a trip to the park (or better yet: a walk to the park!)—it’s vital to get outside and let your baby explore the real (3D!) world. I know that not everyone has the privilege of our gorgeous Florida winters—so don’t put these nice days to waste while they’re here—it’s going to be too effing hot again before we know it.

Also, decide as a family when you really want (or need!) television time. I absolutely refuse (for now) to be the parent who whips out my cell phone to distract my screaming infant while at a restaurant—but I know that I need (yes, need) it to entertain Lacey while I try to buckle our wiggly piggly into her car seat.

Like with all things in life, moderation is the key to the television conundrum. What do you think: do you live and die by the TV in your household? Or are you better off without it? What do you do to keep your little ones occupied if you need a quick break during the day? Leave a comment to let me know—I’d love the advice!

See you real soon,
Lacey’s mama

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