I've seen many studies on children watching TV, regardless of the content, or playing on phones, or whatever the screen time is, and the detrimental effects it has on their brain development, attention span, etc.
The truth is, I have no good excuses for allowing my daughter this screen time. I simply use it to distract her when I need to be productive. Nicole uses it when she is getting ready in the morning because otherwise Michelle would never let her out the door. I turn the TV on when I wash the dishes. I turn it on when I need a quick break in the afternoon. I watch TV in the evening for my own entertainment. The list goes on.
I think one of the biggest problems with our TV is that it's the central focal point in our apartment. When you walk in, it's the first thing you see. The feng shui in our home leads you to the TV. Short of throwing it out the window, I'm a little at a loss for what to do with our TV. I am more or less addicted to it, and rely on it to babysit my child on short notice. When we are at home, the TV is a constant temptation.
Though I try to make sure we go outside every day, we still spend much time inside. Every day there is temptation. And of course, if we ever go anywhere, there is always the distraction of our phone in case the kid ever starts acting up.
Does anyone have any suggestions for things that can distract a 20 month old, besides turning on the idiot box in the corner? Or is it okay to regain some sanity couple times a day by distracting your child?
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