Question re: TV watching

GASuzuki

My mom, who is watching Quinn, has been turning on Sesame Street, which is okay, and then a couple of other cartoons when she watches Quinn. I didn't mind it, but now it seems like she's using it as a babysitting tool.If I'm overreacting, great! I'm a little freaked. I know I watched TV as a kid, BUT there was never this much to watch and I know our parents couldn't have left the boob tube on 24-7.TIA! 

emiliemadison

If you dont like it just say, "Hey mom, I"m fine with Sesame Street once a day, but I'm just not comfortable with more than that at this point. But she totally loves doing xyz, so that should be fun for you guys! Thanks for understanding!"

mrskadams

I agree with PP, but I had to say, "Look at Quinny!" I love your new pic of her!

GASuzuki

emiliemadison:

If you dont like it just say, "Hey mom, I"m fine with Sesame Street once a day, but I'm just not comfortable with more than that at this point. But she totally loves doing xyz, so that should be fun for you guys! Thanks for understanding!"

Yeah, I've told her that, but I only get defensive rationalizations in return. Stuff like, "I told your aunt and she said her kids turned out okay!" or "I can't play with her all day! She needs to play by herself once in a while!" 

Sunndraggon

Is she at least putting on more educational stuff?

I am not much of a tv watcher, DH lives with it on. So we have struggled a little. I am more than happy to lout on Kai Lan and wonderpets while I make dinner. if she see's 30-45 minutes a day during the week it is a lot. But on the weekends it is on more, but she generally tunes it out.

I do agree that you can ask your mom to cool it a little but from what I know of her, odds are it will be a fight. 

emiliemadison

GASuzuki:

emiliemadison:

If you dont like it just say, "Hey mom, I"m fine with Sesame Street once a day, but I'm just not comfortable with more than that at this point. But she totally loves doing xyz, so that should be fun for you guys! Thanks for understanding!"

Yeah, I've told her that, but I only get defensive rationalizations in return. Stuff like, "I told your aunt and she said her kids turned out okay!" or "I can't play with her all day! She needs to play by herself once in a while!" 

That's tough. Tell her that you're hoping Quinny turns out more than just "okay"   And yeah, kids DO need to play on their own independantly. But watching tv does not equal playing. Give her specific things to do instead of tv. Or, tell her that she can do SS plus one other 20 minute show during the day. Ask her if her mother or MIL ever ignored her parenting decision and how that made her feel. I bet putting in in terms that she'll remember based on her own feelings might help. 

And, in the end, if the worst that happens is that Quinn watches a few more shows than you like, then you've got a lot to be thankful for, kwim? Pick those battles 

GASuzuki

emiliemadison:

GASuzuki:

emiliemadison:

If you dont like it just say, "Hey mom, I"m fine with Sesame Street once a day, but I'm just not comfortable with more than that at this point. But she totally loves doing xyz, so that should be fun for you guys! Thanks for understanding!"

Yeah, I've told her that, but I only get defensive rationalizations in return. Stuff like, "I told your aunt and she said her kids turned out okay!" or "I can't play with her all day! She needs to play by herself once in a while!" 

That's tough. Tell her that you're hoping Quinny turns out more than just "okay"   And yeah, kids DO need to play on their own independantly. But watching tv does not equal playing. Give her specific things to do instead of tv. Or, tell her that she can do SS plus one other 20 minute show during the day. Ask her if her mother or MIL ever ignored her parenting decision and how that made her feel. I bet putting in in terms that she'll remember based on her own feelings might help. 

And, in the end, if the worst that happens is that Quinn watches a few more shows than you like, then you've got a lot to be thankful for, kwim? Pick those battles 

Thanks, Emilie! You're right; I should be thankful. I'm just frustrated that my mom's always talking about how easy it is to watch Quinn when half of that time is my mom turning on the TV for her! 

emiliemadison

GASuzuki:

Thanks, Emilie! You're right; I should be thankful. I'm just frustrated that my mom's always talking about how easy it is to watch Quinn when half of that time is my mom turning on the TV for her! 

Hey, you be thankful and STILL expect that she not undermine your decisions. But yeah, as frustrating as it is, luckily it's nothing serious. But everyone's entitled to vent about their mom once in a while 

MissMoochie

The tv is on in my house almost all day because I just can't stand it being super quiet. Most of the time DS doesn't even watch it unless it's YoGabba Gabba or Diego. Maybe she's turning it on as ambience so you DD doesn't feel like she's in the room alone...? DS won't play in his room alone unless I turn the radio on for him.