Is it bad for a toddler to always fall asleep while watching t.v. ?

Question

My son is almost 2 1/2 and this summer I'm babysitting two kids part time in their home. While we're here, the hours are usually 10-5 or 6:30-5-all day basically. I'm watching a 9 yr old girl and 4 yr old boy. I've tried to lay my son down for a nap here, but he doesn't sleep. The only way he'll sleep is laying on the floor watching t.v. Is that ok that he does that 2-3 days a week for his nap? Or should I try harder to put him to bed in a bedroom?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Having the nap if he needs it is more important then where the actual napping takes place.

My son loved to sleep with his TV on, but gradually we found he was not going to sleep, he was staying awake to watch it, so we told him he couldn't have it on in the evening and he took it fine. Now we just read the story and turn off the lights. He is allowed to have it on on Friday and Saturday night.

Most behaviours can be changed, most things are not forever, he'll be giving up the nap soon anyway, do whatever works for you and him, but avoid tv in bed at nights for the above reasons.

Answer 2

Why are the kids watching TV in the summer time? Isn't it nice out where you live? It's fine for him to fall asleep on the floor but not watching TV - its too much stimulation.

Answer 3

Try to put him in the bedroom.  He is establishing lifelong habits now.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I think its bad! You are in charge... put them to bed!

Answer 5

"Ok" is a relative thing and only you can answer that.  If you don't want him to fall asleep while watching TV or if it's affecting your regular routines at home, then it's not ok.  He's in a different environment, so his normal routine is being disrupted, but it sounds like you're there often enough (2-3 days a week) that you can establish a new nap routine that is special for their house and have it not include TV.  When it's time for his nap, maybe you can read a special book that you only read at their house, and let him sleep on a mat or blanket that he picks out, or go to sleep with a new stuffed animal that he chooses and only gets to have when he's there.  At first, he may resist this since his routine for napping at their house right now includes TV, but if you are consistent and let him choose a few things to include for the new routine, this might go a long way to changing the situation.  Good luck!

Answer 6

The sooner you can get your child to fall asleep in HIS bed WITHOUT the aid of the tv the better off you are..