Any no (or little) TV households with 2 or more kiddos?

[jenjenfirenjen]

I'm just wondering if this is feasible. Luke has not been exposed to much TV thus far other than Signing Time and just background TV when DH is around on the weekends.

However, most of my IRL friends said their 1st DC started really watching TV when they had 2nd DC...that it was just too easy to use the TV to occupy the toddler while dealing with the infant. I totally understand this but would still like to avoid it (this is a not a judgement of those who do allow their children to watch TV...it's just a personal preference.)

So, is there anyone out there with 2 or more little kiddos who still manage to limit their DC's exposure to TV? Any suggestions for how to achieve this?

Yes. We are not a no TV household (the adults do TV LOL) but my toddler doesn't watch TV. Yes, my infant is only 4 months old but I don't see this changing.

Even the signing we did was basically some signs I'd pick up from the online dictionary and I'd introduce them to Ian so no ST necessary. He likes to read, jump, color, play with his kitchen and just get into everything he's not supposed to LOL.

ETA: As far as the day to day logistics of a newborn and toddler, cut yourself a TON of slack. Only do the necessary those first several weeks (for me that meant feeding the toddler and me, nursing the babe, plus diaper changes. Hubby did everything else. Now we've found a groove).

Involve the toddler in your tasks if you don't already do this. I had Ian grab the baby's diaper and liner (we CD), or hand me my water when nursing, etc. It kept him nearby and out of trouble most times.

Marielle


Ian - born 10/03
&
Ryan - born 01/06

[cilantromapuche]

I can't tell you anything but theories but we are fast approaching this reality. DS loves monster trucks (the kind you pull back and go), dinosaurs and tools. We can keep him busy measuring things with a tape measure or picking up things with pliers. I also got him a stethescope, etc. to involve him with the baby and he loves to listen to our heartbeat (and Scout's).

Christine

mama to A (7/03)and a girl (6/06)

[o_mom]

Two kids and no TV here. DS1 is 2.5 and DS2 is 1. I don't know any 'tricks' to it though. We just don't turn it on. They are both pretty good about entertaining themselves. I can always tell DS1 to find a book and read it to him, though I had to teach him how to turn the pages himself when the baby was little.

[jennifer_r]

DD1 only watches 1 or 2 short videos a day or sometimes none. DD2 is 6.5 months old. DD1 occupies herself really well so she doesn't need it to keep herself busy. I have no suggestions - I think it might just depend on your older child's personality on whether they can occupy themselves or not.


Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

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[kijip]

If you don't want the kids to watch TV you might consider moving the TV out of the way or away from where they will see it. TV as background noise is still TV exposure. I am a firm believer that I can't expect Toby to not watch a lot of TV if he sees or hears me or his dad watching a lot of TV.

[masha12]

We are no TV with a 2 year old and a 6-month-old. My theory is that TV is a short-term solution that creates a very long-term problem -- nagging for television.

While it would be great to put my daughter down in front of the TV for an hour to get some quiet time for myself, I don't want to deal with the constant nagging for television that I suspect would develop. So, I keep it turned off.

By this point, it isn't really even a conscious decision. No matter how bad my day is going, it would never occur to me to put her in front of the TV. She doesn't need it, it doesn't do her any good, and, in the long run, I don't need her to have it.

If you need inspiration for "no TV" I highly recommend the book "Born to Buy" by Julie Schor. It is not about TV per se but rather about marketing to children. As parents, we don't even realize the efforts the marketers go through to get to our children. I learned things I didn't even know I didn't know.

[brittone2]

I am not a BDTD mom as DS is 2 and TV-free, but I only have one outside the womb right now ;) I'm currently 11.5 weeks pg with number two.

One idea I've heard suggested is to have a basket of toys that you only get out during quiet times. I know moms that do this for the toddler while the baby is nursing, but I am sure this would work for bottle feeding or just when you need quiet time with the little one. I'm going to try to collect some sticker books and other special minimal mess activities for DS to play with when I need to devote attention to the baby. We'll see how well it works LOL ;) You can also do a big bag/pillowcase and let them pull out one (quiet) toy when you need to devote time to the baby. It can be little inexpensive stuff...just something new that will keep their interest for a few minutes.

We're also planning to tandem nurse (DS is still going at 2 and a few months) and I have the feeling he'll be happy to cuddle up on the couch at least some of the time when I'm nursing a little one.

Yeah we tried the "special basket" of toys that were only pulled out during nursing and let's just say that the spirit in Ian said, "yeah whatever" LOL. Tandeming however has been an AMAZING tool. I can nurse them and rock them together for nap (most times I fall asleep myself in the recliner) and even when hubby works late I can put them both to sleep at the same time.

Marielle


Ian - born 10/03
&
Ryan - born 01/06

[brittone2]

Well, that's encouraging :) Glad to know it has worked well for your family :)