"My children will never watch TV!"

....and this was true until Addy was 18 months old. We discovered that she liked Dora the Explorer, and then she started to pay attention to the show after that as well. Next thing you know, we (all 3 of us) developed an evening routine of watching Addy's shows from 7p-8p each night before putting her to bed. As a pregnant teacher who drove 4 hours each day to get her child to and from the babysitter, this became a very coveted time in our home. Addy would lie on the couch with her milk and Mama would lie right next to her. Ohhh boy did I look forward to that hour of laziness. So, fast-forward a few months, and that hour of television has become 2-3 hrs of television in the morning and 1 hour (or more) at night. (There is also Addy TV time during the day if I need to get things done and keep her occupied - HORRIBLE, I know!) Now, in my defense, she usually wakes up between 5:30-6:30am. I am pretty useless at this hour...so, on goes the TV.

The dilemma I foresee is the baby. And, I gather this is why parents of older children (whom I've judged negatively in the past.... in my mind, only!) allow their children to watch TV...at younger ages and for longer periods of time that I would have ever felt acceptable (in my "pre-children/I will be a better parent that you" days) Now, I rely quite heavily on these shows to occupy Addy. However, what will I do when the baby is old enough to start paying attention? Turn it off? **gasp!** Of course I do not want to clutter her young baby mind with silly cartoons, but I'm pretty sure turning it off will be as hard for me as it will be for Addy. Hmmm.

(Disclaimer: We only watch Nick Jr. (previously Noggin) This is the only channel that does not show toys or awful junk food advertisements. The "commercial breaks" include a little moose who plays quick educational games and songs that "Addy" really enjoys....she does enjoy the songs, but I do as well...and certain songs call for a fun Mother-Daughter dance break that requires me to drop whatever I'm doing and dance around with her like a crazy person!)
Future parents - if and/or when the time comes for TV, this is the only channel I recommend!