to say no to tv in ds1's bedroom?

[Sithmummy]

At the moment we have one tv that is also used for the wii and playstation. Gadget-mad dh thinks eldest son (11) should have one in his room, but I say he's too young.

I think it's worked well for us so far, making us all negotiate our "screen time" with the rest of the family. DH thinks we're turning into 'that weird family' like the ones we were at school with who didn't have a telly at all!

If I give in, I'm worried that it will be a games console next, and before I know it PFB will be skulking in his room all the time and only communicating in grunts. I seem to remember my brothers being like that from about 12 or 13.

[scurryfunge]

Don't do it....my son has been on the playstation since 2005...haven't seen him for years

[jellybeans]

I would at that age. My girls (13, 10) have one and they are not on it all the time as they prefer playing out with friends, but it's great when they want to watch something that we are not. They are only allowed it on till a certain time of night and it is taken away if they are grounded etc. My boys (7) don't have one in theirs though as I feel they don't need one at that age. I don't feel the girls need one either but someone offered one and thought it would be nice for them.

[olderandwider]

YANBU - he'll be gone for days once he gets a screen in his room.

[hmc]

Don't children naturally want to avoid their parents and spend time solo in their rooms from the early teens onwards (I realise he is only 11)...I know I did. Isn't it part of the normal developmental cycle to put some space between yourself and your parents?

[FabIsGoingToGetFit]

YANBU

[Iklboo]

[flibbertigibbert]

YANBU. I got a tv in my room at 11 and it was a disaster in terms of homework and spending time with the rest of the family. My brother was always less responsible than me with regard to bedtimes so he would stay up really late on school nights watching tv.

[Firawla]

How about a comprimise of a 2nd spare telly elsewhere in the house but not ds room? Some people have in the kitchen, but not sure how you feel about that as some people are not keen, it is another idea though

[kickassangel]

we have a tv in OUR room - dd allowed in there to watch things, but obv. that gets monitored. we then get to watch stuff at bedtime.

(this is new & v exciting for us - we both come from those weird families who had black & white tv only allowed on for an hour each day)

[Sithmummy]

Iklboo. Other way round in this house. I watch sport with dcs. DH has a shed! God knows what he does in there, but at least it's quiet.

Actually, my problem is that I want to watch telly in bed and don't think stinky boy-brat should have his own set before me.

[QueenOfToast]

I agree with some of the others who have suggested getting a 2nd TV but putting it somewhere else such as the kitchen, or maybe your bedroom. Don't put one in your DS's room if you like spending time with him - he'll only emerge occasionally for food!

[Iklboo]

There you go then - tell DH/DS that you are 'consumer testing' the TV in your room before you decide whether or not it's good enough for him

[Sithmummy]

Excellent idea. Could I leave dirty cups under the bed to grow mould? And mutter under my breath? And say "It's so unfair!" to every comment? A second teen-age is what I want!