October 2008 Weddings
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TV's in cars

On the way in today, I had to go by the mailbox on post, so I ended up taking the road that goes by the daycare on base on my way to my building.

I was behind 2 cars and I noticed both of them had tv's playing this morning. 

Now maybe I'm naive and of course didn't grow up with tv's in cars, but is it really necessary to play cartoons for the drive to daycare?  Or is this just something that has become the norm?

I'm pretty sure the car that was 2 ahead of me was the same one I was behind going through the gate and followed about 75% of the way to work, so their drive was same as mine, 30 mins max, including time to get through the guards.

Re: TV's in cars

  • I will only say that if K was still screaming her head off on the way home from day care and that was the only thing that 'soothed' her I probably would. I hate the helpless feeling I get being in the front seat while she cries in the back.
  • I'm not a parent, and can't imagine thinking it is necessary to play TV for the ride to daycare.

    But I do work with preschool-age children on a daily basis, and I can see how, some mornings, it would be a "whatever works" philosophy.

    But, I was the kid who got through car trips by screaming the whole time.  Which would make my sister start screaming.  Or vice versa.  My grandma's house was 5 hours away.  Whichever parent was not driving was always drinking, so that at least one of them arrived with a good buzz.   No joke.  So I'm sure, if TVs available in cars in the 1980s, my parents would have had one and used it religiously.


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  • Unfortunately, it's becoming the "norm". I feel like our society is SO plugged in these days. That's why we have rules in our home about TV usage, computer/smart phone usage, etc. I don't want Felicity to grow up plugged in, I want her to enjoy the world around her.

    I understand the TV for long road trips, but I think it's ridiculous to turn it on just to keep your kid quiet for a 20 minute car ride. We bought a Little Einsteins mirror that has a caterpillar who's segment is different colors and they light up while it plays music. It also teaches the different colors in different languages. So on bad driving days we turn that on and it helps, most of the time. I don't find that along the same lines as television. We got it because, like Pugs, I hate feeling helpless when I'm alone in the car and Felicity decides she's over it. I also turn my music up a little louder than normal and start singing, that typically calms her down. Lady Antebellum "American Honey" is her favorite. She usually shuts up right away. I sang it all the friggin time while I was pg, I like to think that has something to do with it.

    My overly happy baby girl!
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  • Our rule is, only for long car rides, such as to IL's or SIL's. Around town, an even to my Mom's is a no. We don't have it on yet though for her. When they get older and more aware of the TV we will have it on.
  • I agree with the others - it makes sense for long car trips but not around town or the short drive to daycare.  I can see the occassional time when the LO is overly upset and won't calm down and, as Amanda put it, you need to use "whatever works" to calm the child down so you don't feel so helpless while driving.

    I will add that neither of us have tvs in our vehicles and don't plan on getting them any time soon.  I would try toys made for cars like Mar said. 

    I also do the radio trick with songs I used to sing all the time while pregnant - "Stairway to Heaven", "All Summer Long" (or whatever it's called) by Kid Rock, "Disarm" by Smashing Pumpkins, "She Talks to Angels", and "Crazy Train" by Ozzy.
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  • I agree with the other momma's. I think it is ridiculous that these kids have to watch TV for the shortest car rides. That will not be happening for us.

    The people I used to work for, were oneof these families. Even a five minute trip up the street to the older kids school, required the TV. When Lily would get in my car, she looked straight up and would ask where my TV was. I told her I did not have one and she said, "I am sorry Whitty", like how unfortunate me. 

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  • I've had the same thought when I see TVs on around town, like when pulling in to the grocery store... so obviously I agree with everyone else.

    I think the tv is on too much in our house and would like to stop it but I think Nick would veto that. He likes it on as background. I used to but now I like silence more, lol.

    Campbell James - 3.6.2010
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  • I think we are way too plugged in too.  We already try and put the computers down at least once a week at night b/c we're already on them all day.

    I have a feeling turning off the tv won't be as hard, we're just not big tv watchers unless it's something specific.

     

  • Well I don't have a tv in my car but we do have one in Rob's. I can't envision turning it on for a short trip to daycare. A long trip, yes, but a 10 min ride, no.
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  • I'm with everyone else, we'll use it, if it's in a car we own for a long trip, but not for around town. I alos don't plan on getting a new car right awa just to have one.

    I'd love to turn our TV more, but Drew's a huge TV guy. He keeps talking about getting another TV, but there's only two of us and I refuse to be outnumbered by TVs. The ILs have 5 tvs for 2 people. It's a little ridiculous in my opinion. I actually really like the fact that school is forcing me away from the TV. I don't really want to go back to watching as much as I used to once it's over.

    Brie's Blog 10.11.08  The Top Shelf Bookshelf

    my read shelf: Brianna's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

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