Screen time — it’s one of those topics that every parent seems to have an opinion on. Some say absolutely no TV before a certain age, while others rely on it daily just to get through the morning rush. Personally, I fall somewhere in the middle. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t think watching TV is necessarily good, but I also believe that in moderation, and with the right programs, it can actually be beneficial.
When my daughter was little, the TV was often just background noise. But around the one-year mark, I started being more intentional about what was on. We began watching age-appropriate shows on Treehouse and Netflix — things that were fun, but also educational. I wanted her to hear new words, see bright visuals, and learn simple concepts in a way that felt playful and natural.
Our Screen Time Routine
I like to keep screen time predictable, not constant. In the morning before daycare, I usually turn on the TV for about an hour while she has her breakfast and I get things ready for the day. After daycare, it’s on again for about an hour while I prepare dinner.
It’s not an all-day thing — sometimes she’ll wander off mid-show to play with her toys or look through books in her room. I take that as a good sign that she doesn’t rely on the TV for entertainment, but rather enjoys it as part of her routine.
Choosing the Right Programs
When it comes to what she watches, I’m quite selective. We stick to shows like Blaze and the Monster Machines, Sesame Street, The Wiggles, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and Peppa Pig. They’re fun, colourful, and age-appropriate — but most importantly, they teach something.
What really amazes me is how much she’s actually learning from them. She’s picked up words like trajectory, friction, acceleration, and even actually! Hearing those big words come out of her little mouth is both surprising and reassuring — proof that she’s absorbing more than just catchy songs.
I also like to sit with her while she’s watching. It gives me a chance to see what she’s learning and talk to her about it. I’ll point things out or repeat new words she hears. That way, screen time becomes more interactive and less passive.
How We Transition Away from the Screen
Turning the TV off can sometimes be tricky, but I’ve learned a few small things that make a big difference. I’ll usually give her a gentle warning that it’s almost time for dinner or time to leave for daycare. Sometimes I even set a little phone alarm, so the sound becomes a consistent cue that screen time is over.
Of course, there are days when she doesn’t want to stop watching — that’s normal. When that happens, I remind her that dinner is ready, or I bring out one of her favourite toys or comfort items, like one of her dolls. Most of the time, she moves on without too much fuss.
Balancing Screen Time with Real Play
What helps keep things balanced is filling our days with other activities. During the summer, we spend lots of time outdoors — visiting local events, going for walks, or playing in the garden. My daughter also loves puzzles, colouring books, reading, and using her water mat.
She’s very independent, so I encourage her to choose what she wants to do. Giving her that sense of control makes her less dependent on the TV for stimulation. It’s about offering her a mix of learning and play, both on-screen and off-screen.
A Message to Other Mums
If you’re a mum who feels guilty about screen time — please don’t. Screen time is not a bad thing when used thoughtfully. It can be educational, calming, and sometimes, a much-needed break for both of you.
What I’ve learned is that every family’s balance looks different. What feels acceptable to me might not work for someone else, and that’s okay. There’s no universal rulebook — just what works for your child and your situation.
Some days my daughter watches Blaze while I catch up on dishes or blog posts. Other days, the TV doesn’t even get turned on. That’s the reality of parenting — and it’s perfectly fine.
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection; it’s about balance. A little screen time, chosen carefully and used wisely, can be part of a healthy routine for both parent and child.
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