Is it bad that I let my kid watch YouTube instead of playing with toys sometimes?

Dec 11 min read

Real question. My 5yo will ask to watch YouTube or play games on the tablet sometimes and honestly? After a long day I'm like "sure buddy, knock yourself out." I know the parenting police would have a field day but sometimes I just need 20 minutes to make dinner without someone asking me "why" 47 times. Is this laziness or is this sanity? Asking for a friend who is definitely me.

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Comments(10)

WWes B.Regular16h ago

The '47 whys' thing is real. I've absolutely let my kids watch stuff I wouldn't normally because I was losing my mind. You're not a bad dad for having boundaries

CCarlos M.New Dad1h ago

You're not wrong and honestly the 'parenting police' thing is so overblown. Your 5yo is safe, fed, entertained, and you get to make dinner without losing your mind. That's called winning.

KKenny W.Regularjust now

The 'why' questions are absolutely relentless at that age. If YouTube gives you 20 minutes of breathing room you're doing fine. Just make sure the content is appropriate and call it a day.

AArchie K.Regularjust now

There's a difference between 'I need peace while cooking' and 'kid is on screens 6 hours a day.' You're in the reasonable zone

MMarvin T.Regular16h ago

Honestly the fact that you're even questioning it means you're thinking about it. Parents who just hand over tablets guilt-free don't worry. You're fine

TTerry O.Regularjust now

20 minutes of peace to make dinner is NOT neglect lol. Also kids actually need downtime, it's not like you're plopping them in front of a screen for 8 hours straight. You're good.

MMatt W.Regular9h ago

This is totally normal and honestly way healthier than making your kid sit bored while you're stressed making dinner. You're taking care of their needs AND your needs. That's actually good parenting.

SSean A.Regularjust now

My 5yo watches YouTube while I make dinner too. She gets quality time with me the rest of the day. This isn't the issue people make it out to be

SSteve C.Regularjust now

20 minutes of peace to make dinner is not a crime lol. That's literally what YouTube is for sometimes

EEric V.Regularjust now

Real talk though - there's a big difference between 'tablet time while I cook' and 'tablet time constantly.' You sound like you're being reasonable about it. The parenting guilt culture makes people think any screen time is bad when honestly it's not.