“G – ma” and “Fa – Fa” (my parents) were over to visit the other day, and we were all hanging out in the living room. Joshua picked up the remote and turned on the T.V. G-ma said, “Oh how cute. He knows how to use the remote!”

Cheryl responded, “Ya, it used to be cute. Now it’s not so cute. He does it all day long. He walks into the living room and says “mote? mote?”

T.V. is both a blessing and a curse. It’s nice to let the child watch Barney or something for a half hour each day, so that Cheryl can do something, anything besides cater to his every whim. But what do you do when the child learns to turn on the TV and constantly asks to watch “BA!” (Barney), or “Bi!” (Big Bird), or “dja dja!” (Jay-Jay the Jet Plane).

You have to find a balance. You can get SO MUCH done while your child watches TV all day long, or you can BE A PARENT while your child is young and impressionable, and use the TV for just a short break each day.

When I’m home alone with Joshua, I look at my pile of work to do, then I look at Joshua. I choose Joshua (usually)! Sure, I let him watch something so I can work a bit, but I try my best to be a dad and value that play time with him. The bills can wait (until midnight when he’s finally asleep!).

Joshua cuddles with “Ba” and “Bop” while he watches his favorite show.