DD1 watches Abc Kids in the morning, while I do housework, the tv goes off at 10 but if I finish in time I sit down with her to watch. Then if she needs a rest in the afternoon I put on a movie for her to watch and laydown or sometimes when she is full on at night when DF is working and I use some short episode dvd's while I try to cook dinner.
A lot of DVD's are very educational. They are even more so if the parents put the effort into sitting down and interacting with their child and the tv together, they get a lot more out of watching them. DD1 loves singing and dancing with us to the tv. Its personal choice whether your kids watch tv, and its just going to be one of those these that parents judge each other about.
I know that some have strong opinions on TV watching for kids but if it is educational and/or fun to watch for the child then I don't see the harm. As long as the TV isn't being used and abused to "babysit" the child then why not.
My 3 month old is mesmerised by the TV (much to my initial horror - she showed signs of this when she was 6 weeks old and the TV was on). I have been collecting Disney DVDs for years (for my future babies) so I put a Disney DVD on for her and we watch it together and I talk to her about the characters/ plot etc.
There is an excellent book called "The science of parenting" which has some wonderful insights into why it is unreasonable for children to have to entertain themselves for too long a period of time - talks about higher and lower brain not being properly developed and not just because the child is being difficult.
We had the Wiggles dvds on all afternoon but it is windy and raining outside so the girls and I danced and sang along - we moved all the furniture out of the loungeroom and had a very energetic session.
Sometimes DD1 has quiet time when DD2 has a nap and she watches a dvd then but we do try to limit the amount of tv they watch and when they do watch it we like to talk to them about it or make it a bit more interactive.
We have a bub who clearly heard too much music in the womb-- so loves singing and even dancing. To recognise Waybuloo at 5 months and find it so soothing is amazing, as is his pention for wiggle and learn.
He's no dill from it and many often remark on his cleverness/ awareness for age (like we all do!!!).
I have a bunch recorded that I can play, when you see the soothing and joyful reaction to the Wiggles singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, you know you are doing the right thing. we don't do it as a substitute, but idoes help settle a very tired bub, or give us time for chores or just a breather!
Moderation in everything--holistic stimulation is best I feel.
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