A woman has been reported this week as being furious about when she collected her toddler from nursery, he and the other children were sat watching cartoons on the television. She was annoyed about the amount of money she was paying the nursery and felt that watching television was not justified.
When I was working as a registered child minder I did let the children watch the television, but I monitored what they were watching.
In the morning they liked to watch a programme aimed at children called The Tweenies. I had a little boy who was brought to me by his grandmother and she liked this programme so much that she would sit down and watch it with us. Some mornings I had difficulty in getting her to leave ( she lived alone and I think she enjoyed the company).
Tweenies covered some good topics that I felt would benefit the children and we would talk about it later during snack time.
Sometimes the children would bring a video from home to watch while they were with me so that they could share it with the other children in my care ( again I would only put it on if I felt it was a suitable viewing for their ages).
I think as with everything else it’s all things in moderation, short bursts of watching the right television programmes can be a positive thing.
Some cartoons can have a negative effect on children as the fast movement can over stimulate their brains.
Watching television can be a good way of helping children to wind down after a busy day, if it is a suitable programme.
Going back to the woman who thought it was wrong that her child was watching television while she was paying the nursery; he was being looked after in a safe environment at the time.
More on children and television here
So should children be allowed to watch television while at day care?
Please share your thoughts and experiences with me.
As always questiuons and comments( which I will respond to) are welcome.
Until next time,
Karen
x
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Ooooh….I’m really torn on this. I used to pay a small fortune for private childcare when my first baby was little. I don’t think I’d have been very happy if they watched TV as I would have hoped that they had enough staff to do something else for quiet time. Or, actually, really because I wanted to save my self-imposed TV quota for when I needed a quick sanity-saver!
Thanks for an interesting and thought-provoking article!
#KCACOLS
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Martina
This is such a tricky one. I know my boys have watched a bit of TV at pre-school and did feel a little uncomfortable with it. I think it’s a different scenario at a childminder’s house. And as you say, some programmes can be educational and provoke conversation. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS
Glad to hear, that you agree with my thinking
I’m not sure about the should or shouldn’t aspect, I think it is a perfectly valid ‘activity’ in the right context! I think this lady had the idea that the tv was being used as the ‘shutter upper’ while staff lazed about doing nothing, when in reality they were likely giving the children some down time while they prepared or tidied away safely with the children nearby. We don’t really have tv on here (I am a childminder), but firstly because it doesn’t really occur to me to put it on and secondly because I don’t know how to work the darn thing! 🤣
Thanks, so much, Kitty, for taking the time to share your thoughts-which I feel are spot on!
Hmmm. My children went to a school that would put a movie on if it rained, otherwise they were outside most of the time. I think one has to think about the context. If it’s used just to keep the children “quiet” I would also be a little agitated. However, if it is used to provoke conversation and learning, I wouldn’t mind. #kcacols
Absolutely, Jacqui, thanks for your input
I’d be annoyed if that is all they did all day but I can imagine pick up time is probably pretty hectic. having them all in one place and sitting quietly probably makes things a bit easier I’d think #KCACOLS
I think that you are right, Jere
I think that you are right, JereJeremy
I think it is reasonable to allow a little TV if it is educational and linked to what the childminder has planned. They need time to prepare activities, cook, complete paperwork etc. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
You have hit the nail on the head with your thinking, Laura, thank you for leaving your comment
Some TV can be education so I don’t see why not X #kcacols
Absolutely, Sam, thanks foe stopping by
This is such an interesting one! I think I would be pretty annoyed if mine had been left sat in front of the TV all day. But, on the other hand, I think having a little TV time, especially in the mornings / before pick up can be a great way of getting littles ones settled and allowing them space to unwind. Also, there are so many topics that can be linked in with some great kids TV shows these days. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories x
Thanks, Annette, I think you are right
I think certain programmes are ok or a film on a rainy day but I think if children are at nursery there should be so many different things to play with that they shouldn’t really need to watch anything. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS.
Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts,Laura