TV gets a bad rap sometimes. It definitely has it’s good points too. Sorry mama. Give her an ipod with a non-breakable case, some child safety headphones (do they exist?) and let her dance around the room with them. Or she may chew on the wires, nevermind, scratch that.

Why not just put her in the playpen and have the TV off while you go and do your thing? I know it’s important for children to be stimulated but if, as you say, you only want ten or fifteen minutes, then leave her be for that time. Toss in toys, soft cubes or whatever and give her a bit of quiet time. After all, millions of generations of human beings have managed to raise their children without the help of the TV and they had their things to do too.

First, SpottedFather: WHAT? MAKE them watch tv? The child is smart enough to stay away from it and seek education and stimulation from her environnment, as is best for a child of 16 months, or 27 months for that matter, and you’re suggesting the parent force the child to do otherwise? Hmmm…questionable parenting at best in my opinion.
Next, experts suggest a child not be given any tv until they reach at least the age of 2 years. I agree with anonymous, it would be better to put her in the playpen/crib with some soft toys/books and let her play. The experts also say a child doesn’t need constant stimulation and entertainment, that in fact it is good for them to be bored for short stretches of time so that they can develop their imagination and be comfortable playing alone.
I strongly disagree with your mom. Research has shown that the cry-it-out method DOES hurt a baby. Babies cry for a reason, and it’s a parent’s job to determine that reason and help, not ignore, which can cause them to feel abandoned and unloved. Also, there’s the added danger that if you make it a habit to ignore a baby’s pleas for help, you could end up ignoring them at a time when there is something seriously wrong.
I have a 4 year old boy and believe me when I say that I understand your need for breaks. It’s not always easy I know. Take a shower, brush your teeth, do your hair…it can all be done while she rests/plays in her crib and she probably won’t even mind.:)

Maybe you just don’t have the right program. Is there something she’s really enthusiastic about? She might go for a video on that subject. My son (28 mos) is not fond of television either (despite the fact that it is constantly on… my husband DOES like television, a lot) and, until recently, refused to watch it at all. Which is nice, in some respects, as I grew up without TV and don’t really find it to be very worthwhile. But, like your daughter, he was into everything ALL THE TIME, from 5 AM until 11 PM, nonstop. He’s thrilled with construction equipment and heavy machinery, so I finally tried borrowing a DVD from the library. I ended up buying a copy because it worked wonders: he will happily watch for 10 minutes or so at a time, and it has dramatically improved naptime/bedtime (no more three-hour howling festivals— he will settle down nicely to watch his heavy equipment and be asleep in minutes!). I feel guilty every time I put in the video, but he clearly enjoys it and has learned an amazing amount about machinery and construction in general. And I get a few minutes to myself, and we’re both getting a lot more sleep—so I’d say it’s a pretty good deal overall.

I have a 4 year old and a 16 month old. My 4 year old LOVES T.V, i only ever put it on the educational preschooler channels, she’s learned alot through it, on the other hand, my 16 month old, would rather run about and do whatever she wants to do.

Being in your situation, i would say, if you need or just WANT to have a shower etc, grab a baby gate, put the little one in their room, put the baby gate up and let them amuse themselves with toys, baby books etc… All us mommies need “ME” time, face it. If you can’t show your little one who’s “Boss” now…..what are you going to do when they turn 15?

Good Luck

My daughter loves TV and is very smart. I love getting breaks to go online and pee by myself. But I can also just leave her with her playing with her toys while I go pee, my daughter is pretty well behaved.