Disclaimer: If you love Baby Einstein or other shows for little people, you might be offended by some of what I am about to say. Just keep in mind I'm a new, idealistic mother with only one small child, so I can afford to be a little self-righteous. I'm sure in years to come, with the addition of one or two kids, I will be eating my words.
A few weeks ago I got sick. Worst sore throat I've had in years, painful to swallow and impossible to breathe out of my nose - plus I just felt exhausted all the time because I wasn't sleeping well. It lasted about a week, but after the first day I realized I couldn't possibly keep up with Daphne's energy level. I could barely keep my eyes open. So I did something I swore I'd never do. I let the TV become the babysitter.
Every day that week I gave myself a 37 minute break by popping in a Baby Einstein DVD and crashing on the Lovesac with Daphne. I made little comments here and there, but mostly it kept her attention without me getting involved. (I have to admit, I was impressed. These Baby Einstein people really know what they're doing if they can get a 16 month old to sit still for almost 40 minutes. Even longer if I hit "replay" like she always wants me to.)
But I never hit replay because I'm so against TV for toddlers. Actually I'm pretty much against TV in general, regardless of age. (Here comes the soapbox...) I don't care if it's Baby Einstein or Sesame Street or whatever educational justification there is behind it - I just don't think it's necessary and I really don't think it's more beneficial than just spending time playing together. In fact the only reason we had this particular DVD is because someone gave it to us. But there comes a time when you realize you just can't do it all. And for that week - Baby Einstein was a lifesaver.
these pictures are actually pretty inaccurate, she was tired that day - most of the time when she's watching she is bouncing around, dancing, pointing to things on screen and talking and even trying to repeat some of the words
The problem is, now Daphne knows it exists. And she loves it. And she asks for it every day - searching through the DVDs and finding the one with the elephant on it and bringing it to me and pointing to the TV. I only give in about once a week. She hasn't asked for it in a few days now, but that's only because I put it up on a higher shelf where she can't see it. Out of sight, out of mind - I hope.
So how can I deny my daughter something she loves so much? Is it really so bad to let her watch a purely educational show which helps her learn the names of animals around the world? Maybe not. But it comes down to choosing between the good, better and best things available for her. And I just don't see sitting in front of the TV as one of the best things for her. Even if it's very, very tempting sometimes (like the days I'm behind on housework, or when dinner is nowhere near ready and Steve is on his way home...)
Like I said at the beginning, having two or three kids might change my perspective - but for now we're keeping TV time to an absolute minimum.
1 comment:
The thing is, when you only have one child you don't really have a reason not to be the VERY best parent you'll ever be. Life is simple and you're devoted to one child. I think it's neat that parents are so good to one child and then naturally you relax and spread yourself out to all your children. It's how it's supposed to be. I don't love TV but it keeps the peace and distracts from making messes and fighting so I use it as such when necessary. Noah and Hazel have become so good at playing together lately that even if the TV was on, they turn it off to play. It all works out.
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