My Babysitter's Name Is T.V. Today

Updated on December 18, 2011
J.K. asks from The Colony, TX
16 answers

My son and I are really sick with the stomach virus today. I muscled up enough energy for a mandatory post office visit this morning, but other than that all I feel like doing is resting in bed. I kept my daughter (5yrs old) home from school also b/c she is still kind of recovering from the same thing. She feels much better than my son and I though.

My kids never really watch alot of television and I don't believe in keeping it on all day. I'd rather them read a book or play with lego's while I'm cleaning around the house. But, today, I just don't know what else to do with me being so sick and all. I feel guilty having it on all day long. I feel bad that I can't entertain my kids and I have to resort to using the television as a babysitter.

Is it bad for me to have them watch tv all day long?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Sounds like a plan to me. Do have break periods from the TV though for some quiet time. I know for me the break in sound, and stimulation can mean I get a good solid nap.

1 mom found this helpful

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

No, it's not bad. Don't worry about it. You're sick. You're son is sick. I let my kids watch more TV than usual when they're sick and laying on the couch. They sleep for awhile...watch for awhile....sleep for awhile.... Don't sweat it! Rest up and feel better soon!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.S.

answers from New York on

By all means. Watch. Recover. Repeat.

3 moms found this helpful

J.✰.

answers from San Antonio on

Nope. You gotta do what you gotta do.

2 moms found this helpful

⊱.H.

answers from Spokane on

Like you said, you don't allow it everyday. Some days you gotta do whatever it takes to survive :)
Hope you all feel better soon!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Utica on

Sick days are hopefully few and far between and I see absolutely nothing wrong with this. Everyone needs a break sometime and what use are you to anyone, let alone your family if you dont help yourself to get better? Plus one day of TV is not going to rot their brains. Just put it on an age appropriate channel and put your feet up
I hope you are all feeling better soon =)

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Raleigh on

we have it on alot on the days that we are at home (PBS kids since we do not have cable)... and i do not feel bad about it .....MY kids do plenty of imaginative play and we play outside alot....

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

IMO it's fine. What's one day. You are allowed to rest while you are sick.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Dallas on

It's just one day..it's okay. But, watch out for the commercials. Your kids will be asking you to buy all the stuff they see on the commercials. PBS has no commercials, but they will announce that Chuck E. Cheese sponsors them though. So, you think your avoiding commercials but your kids will end up asking you to take them to Chuck E. Cheese.

A.R.

answers from Houston on

Since the kids don't get to do this all the time, it'll be a treat for them. Turning it off periodically to lower the stimulation level is a good idea too.

As an aside your location ('The Colony') reminds me of a bad aliens/space colony movie. :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Dallas on

Watching TV all day on sick-days is OK, sort of like a special occasion.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

It won't hurt them to stay in front of the TV for a day. You need to rest in order to get better. I usually find when I feel guilty about something like this, that the kids are fine, happy even, and that I needn't have worried or felt guilty at all. Please stay in bed and get better! It's in the best interests of your children!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.T.

answers from Dallas on

It is perfectly ok. You are sick and one day of TV binge is not going to hurt them. I've done the same thing myself. When my kids are sick, I'll spend all day reading to them and doing quiet crafts, but when YOU are really sick, its very hard to care for them. A day or two of TV won't hurt and you can go back to normal once you are better.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.T.

answers from Dallas on

Of course not. My youngest has watched lots more tv than usual the past several weeks because I'm in my first trimester and have been horribly sick. When I'd start to feel guilty, I just told myself it won't be forever and he'll be fine. Of course,I limit the shows to child-friendly channels only.

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

I'm sorry you are sick!! that sucks!! I hope you get well soon!

Have the TV turned off at a time when they would nap...yeah - even 5 year olds can use a nap when they are sick or recovering from being sick...

If you aren't feeling well and want to sleep - let them QUIETLY PLAY with LEGOs or something else...they don't need the TV on all day...

☼.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Completely understandable. Been there, done that. Feel better soon!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions