I realized today that I am very interactive with my 8 month old, but when the tv is on i tune in to the show and stop playing with my son, if only for a few minutes-but it still creates of feeling a guilt...I also wonder.....does this happen to other parents- even more often to parents who arent wanting to limit tv time with their children?? Has this actually affected whole generations of children in our society (possibly the baby boomers and the "X" genners). How negatively has couch potato parenting affected children's upbringing???
2006-06-06 20:31:35 · 8 answers · asked by beccabooh 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
i try not to have the tv one wihen my 18 month old son is awake and if it is on only kids shows are on.
i know of kids that watch tv all the time and are fine but at the same time i know kids who watch tv and don't how to communicate andinteract.
i limit my son's tv time to an hour a day, i prefer reading to him and making up silly songs and stories to try an get him to be creative
2006-06-06 20:35:04 · answer #1 · answered by aidenjmcook 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A couch potato makes for a bad parent no matter what age the parent is.
Reading to your child/children makes for good learning habits for both parents and child/children. Reading to your youngsters is by far the best way to communicate and to let you youngsters know that reading is good for everybody.
Television is okay but don't let it take you away from your child/children because that teaches them that watching it is more important than they are and they will in time pass that message on to their own children too.
Sounds like you are a very loving parent if you feel guilty when you stop playing with you 8 month old. and for this I think you will be an even better parent.
Yes I have felt guilty when I did what you described but I soon put both of my sons first after I realized why I felt guilty. Both of my sons have grown into very wonderful young men for which I am very proud to call my sons.
I hope I have made some sense of my answer to your question.
Children first, television second, okay.
Best of luck to you and your 8 month old too.
2006-06-07 03:44:17 · answer #2 · answered by fedupmoma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think in your case your baby is too young and you may feel guilty that you are not paying attention to your child. However I don't know how much time do you really spend with your child through out the day. If you are not working and are with the child all the time and then I think you have right to watch T.V and relax bit as parenting can take quiet a bit toll on you.
But once the child is older say around 18 months so so I feel that T.V. can have a positive effect also. you can always watch educational programme with your child. You can watch cartoons like Sesame street or other educational programme wherein your child learns having fun. We can't restrict the child of watching T.V. Eventually we can teach the child and make him /her understand that mummy needs sometime to relax wherein she does things which she likes. Watching T.V. is one of it. And of course there should be time limit set for the child.
I hope that my views might help.
2006-06-07 03:42:08 · answer #3 · answered by H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found as the kids get older we turn watching TV into a social occasion, talking about what weve watched later etc. I believe a bit of all things in moderation, its good to relax and switch off and be a couch potato every now and again, teaching your child relaxation techniques!! Dont suggest you exclude all good creative things (playing lego etc) interctaing with your child, but wouldnt feel guilty either, being a parent is hard enough!
Reckon if you get too reactionary it will be like alcohol, and your kids will abuse it later (as they get older they will watch tv at friends etc) so a little sure can't harm em in my opinion.
2006-06-07 04:05:40 · answer #4 · answered by robert m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your family life will be enhanced if you banish TV except for major news events (on the level of Katrina and presidential elections) and occasional treats like the Super Bowl or a Thomas the Tank Engine episode. For everyday news, read a newspaper or Yahoo! news stories out loud.
Instead of feeling guilty, feel empowered that you are building your baby's attention span, getting his brain ready for language, and setting up good habits.
2006-06-07 03:51:02 · answer #5 · answered by Houyhnhnm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do know that when he is still in the womb he can actually understand your instruction; by all means already started the learning process. Normally kids will follow your traits. If you yourself is a couch potato the tendency of your son be like one is pretty amazing!
2006-06-07 03:45:12 · answer #6 · answered by AQUAjadeimond 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I watch tv with my 2yr old all the time. But i put on interactive shows that teach her things and shows like hi5 and the wiggles which get her up and about moving. I dance along with her to. Its gives her exercise as well as being educational
2006-06-07 04:20:09 · answer #7 · answered by samchic86 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow lots of extremeists have answered your question~~
Relax you are probably a great parent and sneaking a few minutes of grown up tv isnt going to hinder your babies development, or traumatize him or anything like that!!! always try your best to follow all of the hundreds of rules when it comes to kids but you cant be perfect!!!
Nothing to feel guilty about my friend!
2006-06-07 04:03:02 · answer #8 · answered by geet840 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋