Parenting OS tips

Becles

We've only got 1 TV in the sitting room so I can monitor how much it is used. There is a computer in the youngests bedroom linked to the router.

My boys are allowed 1 hour each every day of either TV or playing games on the PS2 or computer. This is only increased on non-school days when the weather is wet and they can't get outside, or if they are poorly.

They can go on the computer freely outside that time to do research for school or to read sensible things like online newspapers.

I can monitor how much the TV is used and tell them to come off it when their hour is up. They think the router logs everything they do on the PC so we know what they get up to, so they don't abuse that either.

It works for us and they have plenty non-electronic interests, and both are lean too.

Zed42

Hmmm, I'd say bit the bullet, be brave and remove such distractions from their bedroom.

It's going to be hard for the first couple of weeks, bit like when you were trying to get them to sleep through the night.

Habits take time to be broken.

Too much visual activity close to bed time is not good for anyone, kids or adults.

A book is so so much better.

Says the mother, who's daughter I've obviously "trained" all wrong, who I tried to get to watch the tv to give me some down time .. told me "no, it's boring" and she's not yet three ..... I'm in so much trouble!!

Elliesmum

I am so impressed with some of the posts here!

My LO (3.5) is only allowed telly on for 1 hour a day - bedtime hour. Then she knows it's upstairs to get ready for bed. She washes her face and cleans her teeth, gets into her pj's and then when I go downstairs to get her drink she chooses a story to read and gets into bed. No messing, no fuss, no tantrums.

She has sweets and chocolate as a treat and understands this is a treat. Crisps etc are ONLY allowed if she has eaten enough "good" stuff - i.e. her 5 portions of fruit and veg for the day, if she hasn't - she doesn't get them.

She helps tidy her own room and helps put her dirty clothes in the washing basket and adores passing me pegs to hang out the washing. She has now got used to hanging socks and knickers onto the airer and pegging them on (I know you don't need to but it keeps her happy!).

She helps me when shopping, putting items into the trolley, packing etc and when my friend looks after her sometimes, she is really useful at collecting and taking things for the baby!

Oh and she's aware of the difference between the recycling bin, the compost bin and the throwaway bin (which is the smallest bin in the house!).

EM X

Heth_2

So many kids these days seem to have more electrical stuff in their rooms than we have in our entire house!

Jumps

I couldn't agree more.
Routine is definately the key.
I had my DS in a routine from day one and now at nearly 3 he knows exactly what happens and when it happens and is never a problem when it comes to bedtime. I also have a 9 month old DD and I have done exactly the same with her. Many of my friends think that I am harsh not letting them stay up to watch TV but I know that every evening by 6.30pm the evening is for DH and I.
I also agree that they should have some responsibilities. I have a friend who still does everything for her 10 year old and wonders why he seems immature and why she is exhausted!!

Louisa_2

What a fab thread!

Agree with Queenie about the library, my tiddler loves books and the good ones can be expensive

Also broomstick27 I am the same as you -spend more time at work than with my son (not through choice but need to pay the mortgage!) - do you find it hard trying to do OS when working full time too? I know I do, my head is OS all the time but putting it into practice, well that's a different story and my best intentions go to waste

We have a stack of flannels for wiping up after meals instead of disposable wipes etc.

Another thing I do, DS (22mths) likes "helping" me with cooking, put a chair in front of the sink and he stands there for ages doing the "washing up" or "washing apples" (for those read "playing with water mum's added food colouring to so it's pretty" or "putting potatoes mum's just peeled into a saucepan")

Have done a mini nature trail round the garden looking for spiders and worms pretty leaves etc which he absolutely loves

And like someone else said, he loves trying to help me with housework too so has his own mini duster/broom etc so he can copy me. Probably does a better job too

Keep 'em coming, need more tips!

Louisa_2

I love my telly. I'm not a tv addict, the only thing I have to stop everything for is...well it was desperate housewives but its not on at the mo.

We only have one tv in our house (yes, one) and that's in the living room. Nothing in our bedroom so it's just a little haven of relaxation. And I am determined that our son who's not yet 2 will not have a tv in his room either- we will relent and get a second tv for downstairs somewhere if he gets gripey when he's old enough but he's not that bothered about it at the moment (apart from the roly mo show on cbeebies and monkey business on discovery channel) and watches less than 4 hours per week

My best friend has 6 tvs in her house and they are always all on, different channels! She couldn't cope with my house and I couldn't cope with hers, I'd long for a bit of peace and quiet to be able to think! And she'd probably be really lonely without the company of her tv's. I'd like to think that I do a lot more with my son as a result but everyone always like to think we're better than others! (Also the reason I watch supernanny, I feel so righteous:))

jo101_2

Hi

I only have one telly in the house too and find it quite staggering how many tv's etc people have, Im sure it must have quite an effect on the quality of the childs sleep etc. I would love to get rid of the tv in the lounge but I dont think my OH would agree with that!!

OP Good luck with removing all the things in your kids rooms, I am sure it will help in the long run.

Jo

bobsa1

I should be in bed!!! Another thing we've always done is make sure that DD's get things ready for the next day the night before!

So before they go to bed school uniform is out on hangers, including pants and socks, bags are packed and by the front door, musical instruments, games kit etc is also by the door and packed lunch is prepared and in the fridge (I do that bit) that way in the morning we don't have the "I can't find my tie, shoes etc" and if any thing is forgotten it is dd's responsibility, even the little on , 21/2 carries her nursery bag to the car in the morning.

The older two always comment on how nice it is not to have to get everything ready on a friday and saturday night, I think they think it's a treat;)

Off to bed now but no bags ready for tomorrow as it's half term!

thriftlady_2

Your daughters may make you feel guilty, but remember you are doing them a favour by taking away their TVs etc. You are the adult and you know what's best for them;) prepare yourself for a hard time, and as others have said they will get over it. Being a good parent sometimes means being unpopular, but, hey, that's what it's about. If we weren't around to guide and help our children they'd make all sorts of bad choices.

In our house we have one (big:D ) TV in the living room and one computer downstairs, that way we know what they're doing all the time. The kids aren't massive TV watchers but the boys do like their computer time which is limited to an hour a day on school nights. OH and I have already decided that there won't be any more TVs or computers in the house.

Good luck and be strong:)