For Providers Providing Care In Their Homes, How Much TV Do You Allow During The Day?

[Unregistered]

In our state regs we are only allowed to have screen time for two hours a day. This includes tv, computors, hand held devices, etc.

On top of that you add our STARS program and now screen time is down to an hour a day and providers aren't allowed any type of screen time. I forget how its worded but I think its going to have to be changed because they mean screen time for anything-phones, electronic books, computors, etc.

We generally only have 15-30 min. a day while I'm making lunch and its netflix on the computor. We don't have a tv in our preschool room so its not tempting to even turn it on. I figure also, kids that go to a center can go with out tv all day.

[Blackcat31]

I normally allow the children to watch some little preschool programs between 7h30 and 8h15 while the SA are getting ready for the bus and everyone is still in sleep mode. My program starts at 8h30 and we play, do activities, preschool work, etc..
I then allow the non nappers to watch about 45 min. of TV during quiet time while the babies are falling asleep. The older SA are also allowed to watch a 30 min. program at 4h30 while waiting for parents to arrive after clean up.
We occasionally watch a movie together as a group for a special treat on a rainy day as well.
I had a mom "talk" to me because she does not allow any television in their home and was concerned when her DD told her I allow TV here. I did not really know how to respond to this mom...she almost made me feel like a crappy mom because I allow my kids to watch a little TV.

I think my program is very educational with loads of physical activity and that the small amount of TV the children watch is not going to affect their development. I only allow age appropriate shows and I find TV can be comforting to children as most have them on full time at home.

Do you have a no TV policy or do you allow some TV in your home daycare?

If mom felt so strongly about her child NOT being exposed to any TV, why didn't she specifically look for a No-TV child care or discuss this with you during the interview?

If you chose to allow TV during the day, that is up to YOU. I would change my policies or routines for anyone and I certainly wouldn't allow a parent to make me feel like a bad parent for the choices I make. :hug:

I would make sure you put this back on the parent who is concerned and just keep repeating "My program is run in a manner that fits the needs of ALL children in care as well as the provider. If some of my routines do not work for you, you are welcome to withdraw from care and seek services in an environment that better meets your needs."

It should NEVER be personal. I'm sorry this mom made you feel badly.

[Leigh]

There is proof that "good" shows (like Sesame Street) are actually more beneficial to children than NO TV. As long as TV viewing is smart and limited, there is nothing wrong with it. I'd tell DCM that TV is allowed from X to X, and that it wouldn't be fair to the other kids to miss Sesame Street (or whatever they watch), because they learn so much from it and look forward to it.

I allow TV until 8:30 AM, and then switch the TV to satellite radio. We also will watch a movie on rainy afternoons if we can't go outdoors, and if I am not feeling well, they can watch it all day long (I had a 3 day migraine last week, and a wicked one at that). I put a movie on and sat with them with an ice pack on my head.

[Blackcat31]

There is proof that "good" shows (like Sesame Street) are actually more beneficial to children than NO TV. As long as TV viewing is smart and limited, there is nothing wrong with it. I'd tell DCM that TV is allowed from X to X, and that it wouldn't be fair to the other kids to miss Sesame Street (or whatever they watch), because they learn so much from it and look forward to it.

I am sure there is "proof" about both sides of the argument but I was always taught that ANY screen time is still considered screen time and not at all beneficial.

It doesn't matter what is on the TV, just the fact that the fast moving pictures, flashes and lights are what is bad for the kids' developing brains.

NOT saying I agree or disagree.....just stating what I was just taught in a class about brain development between the ages of birth to age 5.

[Leigh]

I am sure there is "proof" about both sides of the argument but I was always taught that ANY screen time is still considered screen time and not at all beneficial.

It doesn't matter what is on the TV, just the fact that the fast moving pictures, flashes and lights are what is bad for the kids' developing brains.

NOT saying I agree or disagree.....just stating what I was just taught in a class about brain development between the ages of birth to age 5.

I have heard the same about brain development (and I don't disagree with that). The recent study I read about addressed social and emotional stability, and concluded that kids who watch shows that are educational and model "good" behaviors are more socially adept and emotionally stable than kids with no TV watching at all or kids who watch shows that don't model good behaviors.

[Laurel]

I normally allow the children to watch some little preschool programs between 7h30 and 8h15 while the SA are getting ready for the bus and everyone is still in sleep mode. My program starts at 8h30 and we play, do activities, preschool work, etc..
I then allow the non nappers to watch about 45 min. of TV during quiet time while the babies are falling asleep. The older SA are also allowed to watch a 30 min. program at 4h30 while waiting for parents to arrive after clean up.
We occasionally watch a movie together as a group for a special treat on a rainy day as well.
I had a mom "talk" to me because she does not allow any television in their home and was concerned when her DD told her I allow TV here. I did not really know how to respond to this mom...she almost made me feel like a crappy mom because I allow my kids to watch a little TV.

I think my program is very educational with loads of physical activity and that the small amount of TV the children watch is not going to affect their development. I only allow age appropriate shows and I find TV can be comforting to children as most have them on full time at home.

Do you have a no TV policy or do you allow some TV in your home daycare?

I do about the same as you. I actually think a little t.v. is good for them. This morning they watched Sesame Street and they were talking about clouds and how they looked liked elephants. I heard them repeating elephants so when we went outside we looked and talked about clouds. Later we glued cotton balls onto blue construction paper.

I can't imagine little ones growing up and not knowing who Ernie and Bert are.

I used to be stricter when I was younger but mellowed out a bit. It is mostly cause I'm not a big t.v. watcher. Now we get Netflix and on weekends I sometimes finding myself watching t.v. series that are really fun and relaxing. I also watch the Hallmark movies that make me feel all loving. I actually came to feel that t.v. was relaxing and a stress reliever.

I still don't watch much and neither do my daycare children. We are mostly busy having fun but we like to chill with t.v. occasionally and I don't feel one bit guilty about it.

I guess the mom will just have to get over it. If it was that important to her she should have let you know at the interview.

Laurel

[Sugar Magnolia]

I normally allow the children to watch some little preschool programs between 7h30 and 8h15 while the SA are getting ready for the bus and everyone is still in sleep mode. My program starts at 8h30 and we play, do activities, preschool work, etc..
I then allow the non nappers to watch about 45 min. of TV during quiet time while the babies are falling asleep. The older SA are also allowed to watch a 30 min. program at 4h30 while waiting for parents to arrive after clean up.
We occasionally watch a movie together as a group for a special treat on a rainy day as well.
I had a mom "talk" to me because she does not allow any television in their home and was concerned when her DD told her I allow TV here. I did not really know how to respond to this mom...she almost made me feel like a crappy mom because I allow my kids to watch a little TV.

I think my program is very educational with loads of physical activity and that the small amount of TV the children watch is not going to affect their development. I only allow age appropriate shows and I find TV can be comforting to children as most have them on full time at home.

Do you have a no TV policy or do you allow some TV in your home daycare?

Maybe my math is off, but that appears to add up to 2 hours per day that your TV is on. IMO, that is too much, especially if these are.

shows with commercials.

I do only 15 minutes of educational DVD at morning and afternoon .snack time, half hour per day.
Personally, I think commercials are terrible for any kid under say.....10 years old.
"I want that......"
"go buy me that......"
"oooo candy, McDonalds, gum, soda.....yummy"

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

I can't imagine little ones growing up and not knowing who Ernie and Bert are.

I gave up on Sesame Street when they started using ain't and poor grammar. SS has changed greatly since I was younger. The "clips" are dramatically shorter. SS has now taken on the PBS social agenda and I just can't do it!

TV- I do not allow TV on a regular basis. I only have preschool age kids. I did allow the kids to watch a clip on Netflix the other day (three little pigs) and all they did for days after was beg for tv. Just reinforced why I don't do screen time.

[lovemylife]

I don't have a no tv policy but we rarely watch any during daycare hours. Once the daycare kids are gone I let my 2 children watch a show. It's our special cuddle time. The only time I allow a tv show during daycare hours is when I am overly stressed and need a little quiet. It happens maybe once a month. I feel guilty turning on the tv because a lot of the time kids go home and sit in front of the tv until the go to bed. Plus I feel I'm not getting paid to have the tv on

When I am preparing food the kids either help me by putting the ingredients in or stiring as long as it isn't hot. If they can't help I will bring out the coloring books and they will color at the table until the food is ready.

[Emsdayhome]

I have a small tv and vcr in my daycare room, with a cupboard full of Disney classics and Caillou. We save the video watching for our "off" days...you know those days, when nothing seems to be going right. I also used it for about 20mins this morning as we have a new dcb who started today (10mnths) and has never met me before this morning when he was being dropped off. Caillou is his fave cartoon....so I put it on for him when he was feeling a little uneasy. Worked like a charm, and I was able to turn it off after one short episode.

My kids watch cartoons in the morning during breakfast while we prep for school. I only have one dck arrive before 8am (and he's the one who started today) but when the kids get on the bus at 8:02 am we start our programmed day so the tv is off. But my dcp know that tv will be used on occasion when I need to get something done , or whatever.

[Brooksie]

Maybe my math is off, but that appears to add up to 2 hours per day that your TV is on. IMO, that is too much, especially if these are.

shows with commercials.

I do only 15 minutes of educational DVD at morning and afternoon .snack time, half hour per day.
Personally, I think commercials are terrible for any kid under say.....10 years old.
"I want that......"
"go buy me that......"
"oooo candy, McDonalds, gum, soda.....yummy"

I don't allow my daughter to watch anything with commercials. after hours at my house it used to just be dvds and Nick Jr but now Nick Jr is throwing commercials in there which really irks me. That is her down time though and I try to distract her in between her "shows" (she maybe watches 2 shows and evening or one movie (tangled or something).

During daycare hours, whoever arrives first generally finishes up what ever dd is watching (10 min or so) and then tv is off. It used to be that I wouldn't allow tv at all but now that I have more dcks I put the tv on for maybe 20 while I get lunch ready and its usually Wee Sing- Old king Cole or Sillyville. Friday is our day "off" where I can plan for the next week and we have a movie day with a Disney classic or something again, like Wee Sing.

Any one have a suggestion for other educational/appropriate dvds to play? I'm getting VERY tired of Old King Cole!! ::

[Emsdayhome]

I don't allow my daughter to watch anything with commercials. after hours at my house it used to just be dvds and Nick Jr but now Nick Jr is throwing commercials in there which really irks me. That is her down time though and I try to distract her in between her "shows" (she maybe watches 2 shows and evening or one movie (tangled or something).

During daycare hours, whoever arrives first generally finishes up what ever dd is watching (10 min or so) and then tv is off. It used to be that I wouldn't allow tv at all but now that I have more dcks I put the tv on for maybe 20 while I get lunch ready and its usually Wee Sing- Old king Cole or Sillyville. Friday is our day "off" where I can plan for the next week and we have a movie day with a Disney classic or something again, like Wee Sing.

Any one have a suggestion for other educational/appropriate dvds to play? I'm getting VERY tired of Old King Cole!! ::

I have Scholastic books on dvd, the kids LOVE them and it's essentially glorified story time. I use those for my older guys (my own children) When I need them to sit and chill and listen to something for a few minutes.

[Leigh]

I don't allow my daughter to watch anything with commercials. after hours at my house it used to just be dvds and Nick Jr but now Nick Jr is throwing commercials in there which really irks me. That is her down time though and I try to distract her in between her "shows" (she maybe watches 2 shows and evening or one movie (tangled or something).

During daycare hours, whoever arrives first generally finishes up what ever dd is watching (10 min or so) and then tv is off. It used to be that I wouldn't allow tv at all but now that I have more dcks I put the tv on for maybe 20 while I get lunch ready and its usually Wee Sing- Old king Cole or Sillyville. Friday is our day "off" where I can plan for the next week and we have a movie day with a Disney classic or something again, like Wee Sing.

Any one have a suggestion for other educational/appropriate dvds to play? I'm getting VERY tired of Old King Cole!! ::

My kids of all ages enjoy the Baby Genius DVD's and CD's. KidSongs were very good, too, but I haven't seen them around for years.

[Play Care]

If we do a video I use the on demand feature that comes with my cable. Most of the shows have no commercials or if they have one it's for paper towels or diapers - not terribly exciting

While I agree two hours can seem excessive, it really depends on the hours the child is in care. The OP might have kids in the AM but not in the PM, or the majority of young kids are napping and not watching during QT, so the child's actual viewing time might only be 20 minutes in a 10+ hour day care day not a full two hours.

[spinnymarie]

We turn on a movie/show while kids are waking up from naps. My son is always first up by himself and he may watch 30 - 45 minutes while the other kids are still asleep. Generally once they are mostly up we shut it off bc they are ready to play.
Honestly I'm not that opposed to tv for my own kids - including commercials. I think kids need to be taught how to respond to advertising, so they don't bother me. We talk about how we don't NEED things that we may see on tv, or in magazines, or that other kids have, and when we see something we think we want, we should see if we still want it at our birthday when we get something new.