First, I think it's up to parents to make these decision for their own kids.
For my kids, I don't want them watching much TV, and definitely not under the age of 2 as I understand it can affect brain development detrimentally. However, DS did watch it under 2, though only very little, as I have found it a very useful way of getting things done. So compromise. Since I was pregnant with DD and even more so since she was born, DS has been watching more. He informed me recently that TV was his most favourite thing in the whole world
I dont' like having tv on all the time and we restrict our own viewing as well. I'd like to say that I do constructive things instead, but I'm not sure that BB etc really counts
So I have certain ideals and then there's the reality
I wouldn't say anything to her. She has the right to have the tv on all day without people judging her, just as you have the right to have yours off without people judging you. My tv is on all day from 7am to 11pm unless we have music on. I grew up with 8 sibling, always noisey, something always going. Now I can't stand it too quite, it makes me jumpy and uncomfortable so i have the tv on for background noise. My kids don't just sit there all day watching it, they play and they play well. If someone told me I shouldn't have the tv on, I wouldn't have them back in my house cause I wouldn't want someone coming over if they are going to question my choices. I'm not saying my choice is right but its my choice. If you say something to her just beware that she may not react to well. I hope I haven't sounded to catty but just giving you a different point of view.
DS barely saw any TV before he was 1 and it was limited between 1 and 2 and is still limited (by other people's standards) now. That was both a conscious decision (due to the research that too much TV watching before 2 can alter brain development and affect later concentration at school) but it's also how DP and I live. We are not big TV watchers and it usually doesn't go on until after dinner time and then it's 99% of the time me watching. Now DS watches TV most days but he can still go days without seeing it. It is not on all day. He is in the middle of a Shaun the Sheep obsession actually and often asks for it. He has only really been 'asking' since he turned two a couple of months ago.
I completely agree with the PP about every parent having the right to make choices without judgement from others but I wanted to share what I would do in this situation as it hasn't been mentioned already. I am assuming you are pretty good friends with this friend. And she has brought up the fact that her son "knows" how to watch TV. My interpretation of this is that on some level she knows her son watches more TV than most other kids his age. I would actually be quite curious about how this came about, whether it was her decision/influence or his preference. So rather than bringing up the subject with a view to be judgemental or point out the possible negative consequences, I would be genuinely curious about her son's TV watching, how she felt about it etc. If it came up again in discussion (and I wouldn't necessarily bring it up myself), I would be interested and onlyif she expressed any concerns herself would I get into it with her. So I would only be giving my own opinion or talk about my reasons for doing it differently if she expressed interest or showed she was worried about her choices. If she didn't show any concern, I would just listen to her reasons, try to understand her point of view and move on. I am someone who finds the motivations for others behaviour quite interesting though and I find it quite easy to listen without judging.
Thanks ladies for all the responses. Certainly hadn't wanted to sound judgemental as I totally believe that everyone should raise their children in the way that they see fit. Like everything to do with our children what will work for one doesn't necessarily work for another. I was interested in finding out how other mothers viewed children watching TV.
I guess over the weekend I was just a little shocked as to the amount that the TV was on and was a bit concerned as to whether it could be harmful or not given that like a few of you have mentioned it is not recommended when children are young. He has only just turned one so I guess as he gets older he will get more interested in doing other things too. Kaz to answer your question I understand the watching of TV originally came about as it was a way to be able to get him to eat his meals and then just expanded from there.
I remember hearing recently that NO tv viewing is recommended to children under two.
AFU - DS became obsessed with the Wiggles when I took him to their live concert at age 20 months, prior to that, he just wasn't interested in TV at all (not that I minded). These days he'll ask to watch the Wiggles a few times a day, and seems to love ITNG too. We only turn it on to watch specific things, otherwise I make an effort to turn it off so that he doesn't get distracted from active play by the TV.
However, I do work from home 1 day per week, DS gets to watch more TV on this day, just cos it works for both of us, I can get a decent amount of work done so my boss is happy for me to continue this arrangement, and DS gets to watch a little extra TV. However I balance this with setting up tents full of mega blocks, or roadways full of matchbox cars or his art kit out, I think as parents we just need to mix up the activities a bit.
I have been guilty of chucking the Wiggles on to give me 20 mins to throw dinner together or get some chores done, and I do let DS sit in front of it at lunch time if we are home, however dinner is always at the table with Mum and Dad, no ifs or butts.
I think everythings ok in moderation and if balanced with other activities
But as for telling your friend, it really is her choice
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