We all know TV is the easiest babysitter in the world. When you are a working parent trying to make dinner or answer an email, turning on a cartoon feels like magic.
But right now, with an 18-month-old toddler running around the house, we are doing everything we can to keep the TV off.
Here is what the health experts say, and how we actually make it work day to day.
What the Experts Say The NHS and other health groups are very clear on this rule: children under two years old should avoid screen time. The only real exception is video calling with family.
The reasons for this are simple:
- Sleep problems: The light from screens messes with a child’s brain and sleep cycle. We want a good night’s sleep at 8:30 PM, and screens make getting to sleep much harder.
- Slower talking: At 18 months, kids are soaking up new words every day. They learn how to speak and understand the world by watching real faces. Staring at a flat screen can actually slow down their language skills.
- Less movement: Toddlers need to move, climb, and run. Sitting still in front of a screen takes away from the physical practice they need to build strong muscles.
How We Actually Avoid TV Saying “no TV” is easy. Actually doing it when you are exhausted is hard. Here are the three things that save us during the day:
1. Music over screens If the house feels too quiet, we put on music or the radio. A lot of people leave the TV on in the background just for the noise, but that flashes light and still catches a toddler’s attention. Audio is a much safer background noise.
2. The magic of the wooden push walker You do not need an iPad or a TV to keep a toddler busy. At 18 months, she is constantly on the move. Right now, her favorite thing is her wooden push walker. She pushes it all over the house, loading and unloading her toys. It keeps her focused and burns off that endless toddler energy while we get things done.
3. The afternoon dog walk When the late afternoon fussiness hits, the TV is very tempting. Instead, we grab the lead and take our dog, Luna, for a walk. Getting outside, looking at trees, and letting her walk a bit on her own resets her mood every single time.
It definitely takes more energy to avoid screens. Some days it feels like a battle. But when you look at the facts and see them playing and learning in the real world, it is completely worth it.
