How much tv do your kids watch?

Before they were two, my kids did not watch tv. I had the radio on a lot. More often than not, we would spend mornings at playgroup, and afternoons napping. They were not really interested in tv before they were two. It would not hold their interest, and I am not the type of person who has the tv on for the sake of noise.

My daughter developed the bug earlier than my son. She also gave up her naps at a younger age. When my son was still an infant, and I needed rest too, the tv kept her quiet for a bit while we napped. She also started watching DVDs in the van on roadtrips, shortly after her second birthday. I used to think she could watch tv all day, but it depends on her mood, and the programming.

A few shows will keep their attention indefinitely. Dora (or Diego, I assume), Stella and Sam, Cailou, Dino Train and Sam Sam. They do not like Mighty Machines, and most live action shows. My son also really likes Sid the Science Kid, calling him "Sib". We watch all of these shows on TFO, in French. Sometimes, they get sucked into watching some English shows on Treehouse, but I usually won't turn the tv on if I know the French kids shows are not playing. If they don't like what's on tv, they will find something else to entertain themselves.

For the most part, my children's tv watching is restricted to the hour and a half after school, before supper. It gives me a chance to get supper ready without them fighting, usually. Besides, the tv shows often inspire my kids when they are playing together. My son and daughter pretend they are Stella and Sacha (Sam's French "name"), and start to see things outside that remind them of how the characters play with each other. They are learning principles of science from Sid, and about wild animals from Mama Mirabelle.

Often, in the summer, we will go for days without watching any tv. At my parents, the park is much closer, and Grandpa often takes them out. They enjoy playing with the Lego, and Playmobil toys so much, we are rarely asked to turn on the tv. My daughter loves reading the Tintin books my parents have in their basement.

Sometimes, I use the tv as a quick and easy "parenting" tool. There are times when I need some down time, without the kids, and I know the tv will keep them occupied for a few minutes. They are quite particular about what they watch. If I want them engrossed for a longer period of time, I have to find one of the shows they love, or a movie they like.

Depending on what I am doing, I will watch the shows with them occasionally. I like to see what they are talking about, and I think it is important I am aware of they type of shows I am letting them watch. I enjoy the kids programming on TFO. My kids enjoy most of the shows too. I like the little interludes between the shows, and feel my kids are increasing their knowledge of French culture with the songs, and stories.

How much tv is too much? Do you use tv to keep your kids quiet, and give yourself a break? Is this bad?

 

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