We tend to both be a little firm on the topic of “No TV” for the babies each for our own reasons, I’m sure. Heather thinks that TV is a scary addiction for babies, not unlike crack. Besides my belief that it’s just not developmentally appropriate for a baby, I think the addiction actually threatens the parents, not the baby, as having your baby in a glazed-over state of relaxation sure is tempting.
If you already use TV, then you are probably smarter than we are, and your kid will probably turn out smarter than ours, too, with all those hours of Sesame Street logged before preschool even starts. But if you are afraid as we are, then you’ll relate to this. When your TV-deprived child rarely sees the glowing screen, they are even more transfixed by it. You can leverage it’s magic powers to accomplish the following while your baby watches the boob tube:
- Cut your child’s fingernails and toenails while she is distracted by Teletubbies
- Trim his hair while he sits in the high chair in front of the tv
- Pass time on a long trip with a portable DVD player
- Enjoy your friends and some beer at a sports bar while baby watches “the game”
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We have kept our son away from the tv for the most part in his first 15 months. So far, he really isn’t interested in it at all. We can get him to sit still and watch cute videos of baby animals on you tube–that’s about it! I am just glad to know I’m not the only one fearing baby tv addiction. I figure he will have enough time in his life to zone out and be a couch potato–no need to encourage it now!
I agree, my kid gets extremely little TV time if any (not surprisingly it usually is on Sundays w/the husband during the game. Sigh). Anyway, I also agree that I avoid it mainly b/c I’m afraid of getting addicted to having a toddler sit still for 3 minutes and be allowed to breath. Couldn’t have that now, I’d never go back!
didn’t i read a tweet from you guys or a facebook posting referencing elmo sex (in other words the 22 min of sexy time you get with your partner while the kiddos are transfixed by muppets)? another great tool i look forward to using one day!
i definitely share the fear of television addiction, though. on the rare instances my son watches, i actually feel startled by how much of a zombie he becomes.