Screen time

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For our first who is now 2 and a half, we’ve always had the tv on. Sometimes on programs for her sometimes on stuff for us, the tv is hardly ever off as I like it as background noise (the rare occasion it’s off Alexa is on instead) She will watch first thing in the morning and then gets bored and goes off to play, she rarely asks for it and doesn’t throw tantrums when we do turn it off. I don’t know how it’ll process as she gets older but that’s how it is for us at the moment and it’ll now be the same for my 4 month old x

We never restricted screens with our eldest (4.5yrs). TV was always on for background noise, we’d use phones in front of him (when necessary, not doomscrolling). He’s really not fussed about watching things or playing games, he has access to an ipad at my mum’s when he goes there but still prefers to play outside or with his toys. I’m a firm believer that if you’re too strict about something, it’ll go the opposite way and they’ll end up obsessed.

Good to know that they're not crazy obsessed having been exposed to it from an early age. I was so worried he'd get addicted so turned away from the TV but after some thought I am thinking the same as you about being too strict could end up with them being more obsessed. It's so hard. I feel like everyone will judge me for changing my stance on this but hard to know what is best

My baby is around the same age and he has about 10-15 minutes on fussier days otherwise it’s virtually impossible for me to brush my teeth and clean up 🥹 he’s a Velcro baby. I’m selective with what I choose, he’ll watch Little Bear or Winnie the Pooh, things that aren’t too in your face. As he gets older, that time will probably extend tbh. Personally as much as I would love him to be screen free, I also want a clean home for him. Also once they go to school a lot of their homework is on iPads so it’s inevitable at some point! Totally here for limiting it while they’re growing though

I never limited my son’s screen time. He used to like to watch a Disney movie with me then he’d get bored part way and we’d play with his toys with the movie in the background. When he got to around 3 he had a little portable dvd player for Disney movies to watch in the car for journeys. He’s 10 now and for the last couple of years all his homework has had to be completed on a tablet/phone. He’s exceeding his educational targets so screen time didn’t harm him at all when he was younger and is now old enough to know he’s only allowed screen time if he completes homework etc but prefers to be outside with friends. My daughter is 4 months and I won’t limit her screen time either. We play together and listen to Disney songs in the background. If I need to get things done I’ll put Moana on for her as she loves the singing and keeps her occupied for 10/15 mins. I don’t judge other mom’s decisions regarding screen time, we do what we need to get things done. Its about finding a balance

We had virtually no screen time with my eldest (now 3) and whenever she saw a tv on at her cousins she would stare transfixed at it. Probably from age of 2 we would watch an episode or 2 on the weekend, and she would always ask for more but we limited to 2 episodes. She now enjoys tv shows like bluey, but isn’t obsessed with the TV. I think initially the limited screen definitely made her turn into a zombie whenever it was around, but it didn’t last long and she now enjoys it but isn’t crazy about it…

Thanks all for sharing your experiences! It's really useful to know. I'm a first time mum so had no idea that homework etc. is all on an iPad now. Times have changed, I feel so old 😂