Qld mum slams kids shows as ‘nonsense’ after quitting TV

A mother who switched off the television for good has claimed there are countless health benefits to avoiding the small screen – including better-mannered children.

Belinda Scott, a Queensland mother-of-two, says she, her husband and children have been television-free for nine months straight.

The 29-year-old told Daily Mail Australia her family hasn’t watched television since January and believes her four-year-old daughter Lulu’s imagination, creativity and behaviour have improved dramatically.

Belinda Scott (pictured) says she and her family have not watched television for nine months

The 29-year-old told Daily Mail Australia her family hasn't watched television since January and believes her four-year-old daughter Lulu's imagination, creativity and behaviour have improved dramatically

The 29-year-old told Daily Mail Australia her family hasn’t watched television since January and believes her four-year-old daughter Lulu’s imagination, creativity and behaviour have improved dramatically

‘I don’t miss it and I feel my brain is healthier for not knowing the latest happenings in Summer Bay,’ Belinda wrote on her blog ModernWifeLife31.

‘Lulu is more mature – maybe that has just come with her getting older, but I truly believe silly kid shows like Peppa Pig and Charlie and Lola encourage children to behave bratty and silly.’

Belinda says her daughter would pick up ‘nonsense’ catch phrases and poor language traits after watching children’s television shows, and since turning off the screen she believes her vocabulary has grown too.

‘Many of the characters on kids shows are rude and naughty and I could see my sweet girl picking up silly phrases from these animated brats!’ she said.

'I don't miss it and I feel my brain is healthier for not knowing the latest happenings in Summer Bay,' Belinda wrote on her blog ModernWifeLife31 

‘I don’t miss it and I feel my brain is healthier for not knowing the latest happenings in Summer Bay,’ Belinda wrote on her blog ModernWifeLife31 

Belinda says her daughter would pick up nonsense catch phrases and poor language traits after watching children's television shows, and since turning off the screen she believes her vocabulary has grown too 

Belinda says her daughter would pick up nonsense catch phrases and poor language traits after watching children’s television shows, and since turning off the screen she believes her vocabulary has grown too 

'Many of the characters on kids shows are rude and naughty and I could see my sweet girl picking up silly phrases from these animated brats!' she said 

‘Many of the characters on kids shows are rude and naughty and I could see my sweet girl picking up silly phrases from these animated brats!’ she said 

‘I have no idea what these shows are meant to teach kids – but I couldn’t see them doing any good for my child.’

In addition to what Belinda describes as ‘remarkable changes’ in her daughter’s cognitive abilities, the young mother says it has improved Lulu’s sleeping patterns and decreased her levels of irritability.

‘Limiting screen time in kids can decrease the likelihood of a range of childhood problems ranging from obesity to attention span issues,’ she adds.

After quitting television cold turkey, Belinda says she has noticed several positive lifestyle changes in her own routine. 

She says family dinner time is now always spent at the table and with lively conversation – especially with her husband – her mind is far clearer and not filled with fictitious ‘nonsense’ and enjoys extra productivity.

'Lulu is more mature ¿ maybe that has just come with her getting older, but I truly believe silly kid shows like Peppa Pig (pictured) and Charlie and Lola encourage children to behave bratty and silly'

‘Lulu is more mature – maybe that has just come with her getting older, but I truly believe silly kid shows like Peppa Pig (pictured) and Charlie and Lola encourage children to behave bratty and silly’

Belinda says shows such as Charlie and Lola (pictured) teach children nonsense

Belinda says shows such as Charlie and Lola (pictured) teach children nonsense

‘Watching TV as a couple makes you feel like you are spending time together, but really you aren’t. You are just sitting side by side, not connecting,’ she said. 

Now, instead of plopping in front of the television for relaxation and entertainment, Belinda switches on the radio station and has regular ‘dance parties’ with her kids.

‘We may start letting her watch the occasional movie as a treat in the future but for now we are enjoying it being off,’ Belinda said.

‘I highly doubt ABC2 will be allowed back on, I would prefer to buy a Play School or Wiggles DVD then allow the nonsense that is often on that channel back in our house.’ 

Now, instead of plopping in front of the television for relaxation and entertainment, Belinda (pictured) switches on the radio station and has regular 'dance parties' with her kids

Now, instead of plopping in front of the television for relaxation and entertainment, Belinda (pictured) switches on the radio station and has regular ‘dance parties’ with her kids

'I highly doubt ABC2 will be allowed back on, I would prefer to buy a Play School or Wiggles DVD then allow the nonsense that is often on that channel back in our house,' Belinda said (Stock image)

‘I highly doubt ABC2 will be allowed back on, I would prefer to buy a Play School or Wiggles DVD then allow the nonsense that is often on that channel back in our house,’ Belinda said (Stock image)

Belinda describes pulling the plug on the television set as the ‘best decision’ she’s ever made – and recommends other parents wanting to follow in her footsteps to simply tell their children that the set is broken. 

‘We didn’t want to make turning the TV off to be a punishment for no real reason, so saying it was “broken” worked for us,’ she adds.

‘That way we can bring it back if we wish and she doesn’t have bad feelings towards the situation.’ 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk