Shaking My Head

My 1 year old (okay, 21 month old, but "1" makes the story better) now gets out of his high chair when he is done eating (with help of course, and after handing me his plate), returns to the TV, grabs the remote and un-pauses Tivo so he can finish watching Blue's Clues. Even more impressive, tonight when we told him it was time to eat, he began to protest, but I told him we could pause Blue until after dinner. He took the remote, paused it, and walked into the dining room. This is the part where I shake my head.

I shake it in awe at Harry's abilities, but I also shake it because we so obviously created a monster. Harry is addicted to Blue's Clues, even more than he ever was with Sesame Street. We wanted him to watch TV in the morning so we could rest from our early morning wake up call. We didn't mean for this TV watching to take on a life of it's own!

After his 1 episode of Blue's Clues was over, we successfully relocated the boy away from the TV. We played blocks and then hid in his playhouse (the indoor one). Harry ran to get Kevin so he could "find" us. Kevin yelled "Boo," he "Huffed and Puffed," he made Harry giggle uncontrollably...and use his imagination. After "Tub," we read "Co-Ca-dile", played blocks, and untangled Mardi Gras Beads. Harry went to bed precisely when we asked him to. So, he does have other activities.

BUT, I don't think TV is all bad. As a researcher, I view a lot of research as flawed and biased- especially when it comes to kids. All kids are different, all families are different, all results are different. Once again, we monitor how TV CURRENTLY affects Harry, and we monitor what he is watching. Teh fact is, it is hard to entertain a toddler. Well, not hard, but tiring! We totally gave in. BUT, we will fix it! Once it is warm, we will return to the greatt outdoors. Keep your fingers crossed that Phil will work his magic on Thursday!