https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:32:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-756055 Thu, 02 May 2013 08:43:15 +0000 yerpie110 756055@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm ok without the TV as background noise and the nanny doesn't watch during the day either, but whenever DH gets home, the first thing he does is turn it on. He can't function without that noise! LO is 3.5 months and has definitely begun to show some significant interest in it, but I figure it's fine since it's only about 2 hours until her bedtime and we do our best to face her away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755998 Thu, 02 May 2013 08:16:27 +0000 LuLu Mom 755998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The TV is on a lot in our house, but we try to engage her whenever she's awake and at home, but it is on in the background. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755975 Thu, 02 May 2013 08:06:28 +0000 heffalump 755975@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to keep the tv on when LO was a baby and napping in my arms. She wouldn't lay down anywhere, only wanted my arms, and I'd get bored!</p> <p>Once she started playing and got older I stopped putting the tv on though. But she does get to watch a show when I'm not feeling well, and she's not two yet. We started that at 20 months. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks, and I feel like that's the case here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755969 Thu, 02 May 2013 08:04:10 +0000 ladyfingers 755969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like TV watching was pretty popular -- or at least not as maligned as it is today -- when we were kids, and I think we all turned out OK. At least, I did.</p> <p>The TV is always on in our house, at least when DH is home, with sports, and I've noticed LO craning toward it more (he's 12 weeks) and I just turn him away. I'm not really concerned with the background-noise of it. I've been watching Grey's Anatomy on Netflix while nursing him since he was one week old, so... at the very least, you're in good company with me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755966 Thu, 02 May 2013 08:01:42 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 755966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've read all of the studies so far (whih are very limited) and I do take them very seriously, but I really believe that the studies do not tell you whether the kids who were exposed to tv were getting any kind of interaction outside of it. I try not to turn on the tv until like. 4 or 5, but then it's on all night.</p> <p>I spend a ton of time reading, playing, singing... And three is quiet time too. I kind of worry about it, but realistically I don't think background noise is a big deal. But I will limit lo watching it. He's usually facing away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755959 Thu, 02 May 2013 07:54:00 +0000 MamaBehr 755959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like people say they don't do this, but most families do! In my little circle of mommy friends, IRL, half have the TV on all day. And, they aren't adult shows either (like the news or something) so the kids might lose interest, they are Nick Jr, or Disney.<br /> We watch 2 hours of TV a day, I need it in order to wake up.... DD is three, so I guess it is ok. But, DS is 14 months. What am I suppose to do? Keep him in another room? He doesn't even really watch it.<br /> I say, do it and be proud! It isn't like you are using it as a babysitter all day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755956 Thu, 02 May 2013 07:51:33 +0000 Smurfette 755956@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the tv on all the time. She is only 7 weeks so she can't watch it but I agree I have it on for background noise. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755954 Thu, 02 May 2013 07:49:27 +0000 Dandelion 755954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't worry about it! Do what keeps you sane and happy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755941 Thu, 02 May 2013 07:40:31 +0000 Weagle 755941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't worry too much about it. If we always adhered to what we're not supposed to do, we would all be living in bubbles and/or all parents everywhere would be going crazy. I'm definitely guilty of using Baby Einstein or Mr. Rogers to get a shower! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755937 Thu, 02 May 2013 07:36:21 +0000 sorrycharlie 755937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am guilty of Mickey Mouse to sneak a 15 min catnap. LO is up every 1-2 hours at night, a little Mickey Mouse won't kill her :)</p> <p>Plus, I watched a ton - a TON - of tv from an early age and I'm smart. So no worries :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755929 Thu, 02 May 2013 07:31:30 +0000 Beebug 755929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>TV is on all day at my house, I wouldn't worry a bit, worse things we could be doing :) Our LOs will survive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755920 Thu, 02 May 2013 07:26:00 +0000 MsLipGloss 755920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Clementine: No worries mama! You're not the only one. :) In the grand scheme of things, this should not even be a passing blip on your parenting radar. My MIL likes to show my LO Baby Einstein on youtube . . . *sigh* (My LO just turned 8 months!). It is one of the those things that I have just had to let go of . . . </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755842 Thu, 02 May 2013 05:57:41 +0000 Clementine 755842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Andrea: Very good idea about the kiddie music. Lately, I've had NPR and that's helped but I will say I miss TV! LOL </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755835 Thu, 02 May 2013 05:40:21 +0000 Andrea 755835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How about turning on some music? When I feel like the house is too quiet, I'll either play some kiddie music for them or just some of my music. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/im-guiltyi-watch-tv-while-my-lo-is-around#post-755834 Thu, 02 May 2013 05:39:04 +0000 Clementine 755834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know, you aren't suppose to expose your kid to TV until they are 2 yrs old, but I am guilty of having it on while he's in the room. I've read the studies and I know that being exposed to TV as even background noise isn't optimal for cognitive development. I'm trying to cut back and it's not like I have it on all day, but I must admit I'm finding this parenting rule i.e. guideline pretty hard to follow. I like having the TV on for background noise or when I'm doing household chores etc. I know in the big scheme of it all, he will be fine, but I feel guilty! Tell me I'm among friends! :) </p>