TV loving mom wants TV-Free family... help!

[cat13]

We don't have a TV but I really love watching TV shows on Netflix or Hulu in the evenings after baby is asleep and I want to veg out. I do have other hobbies and love to read, but I really like watching shows too.

However, I don't want DS (6 months) growing up with TV, except for a movie every once in a while, and not until he's much older.

I need some gentle, firm honesty: Am I just being hypocritical? Do I really just need to pull the plug on my own TV watching? Anyone else with this problem?

[Nazsmum]

IMHO- don't think that you are wrong for wanting to "veg" w/6 month old.

[MrsGregory]

cat13, to the best of my understanding the reasons that TV is detrimental to children and the ways in which TV can be detrimental to adults are very different.  In my opinion, the amount of TV that is reasonable for an adult and the amount of TV that is reasonable for a grade-schooler are pretty similar (1/2 hour to 1 1/2 hours daily). 

If you're ready to explain to your son why TV is bad for him at the age he is when he asks, and you're prepared to explain why your TV viewing habits are within the realm of "not completely harmful", then I don't, personally, think you're being hypocritical. 

Maybe you can use the opportunity to teach self-control through example?  Explaining that TV is nice, but like candy, only little bits at a time.  Explain that you're helping him to control himself, like you do with candy, and when he's older he'll be expected to control himself, just like Mama does.  I think if you can have that chat with a clear conscience, you're doing well.

[htovjm]

At this point, I don't think there is anything wrong with veging out to a good show, as long as it is not taking from your interactions with DS. It sounds like you are reserving your TV time for when he sleeps, so it sounds fine. This is what we do. (We don't own a TV, but we watch shows on HULU after DS is asleep.)

As he gets older though, I think it would be wrong to limit or not allow him screen time and expect him to understand that the effects are different on him than you. That does seem hypocritical. (Coming from someone who's Mom did this--we didn't respect that.) We are trying to phase out the screen time and replace it with reading. It's hard, but I think it's worth it!

[Bad Mama Jama]

i think you are approaching the matter realistically and honestly.  and i also agree that what is a comfortable standard for a child is not what adults should strive for as far as their own tv viewing.  you are on the right path, mama!

[cat13]

Thanks for the reassurance, ladies. I think I'll just keep doing what I'm doing right now, and re-assess when he gets old enough to notice. :)