My Boys Don't like to Be in Their Room

Sounds to me like it is a good thing that the tv quit when it did. It's time they learn to play with toys and entertain themselves. If I were you I would never put a tv back in their bedroom.

It was probably the best thing for them that the TV broke and you were able to realize what was happening - that they were losing interest in playing, imagination, creativity and people interaction! If it were me, I would NOT replace it.

Instead, maybe rotate the toys every few days....take out some of their favorites and then reitroduce them every few days etc so it is exciting to have 'special' toy time to see what is going to be in there today! OR - maybe bring out their favorites ONLY during 'bedroom time' when you are cooking etc....this way they look forward to this time when they get to see their favorites (or maybe buy a few small cheap ones just for this purpose, since the TV broke!). If these toys aren't down and available all the time it often makes them special and super fun just because of that!

What about having bedroom time include a small non-messy snack? That would be exciting too....maybe some cheese and crackers or other dipping snack which is usually really fun and hands-on.

How about art or crafts during this time? Maybe sit them down with Play-doh, coloring books or chalkboards? Stickers to stick on construction paper? You could do different things for the different ages.

What about a music cd and have them dance and be crazy? Make a big deal of it and sing out loud to them while they are in the other room. Maybe dress up and singing would be exciting for them? Crazy hats, bandanas, sunglasses....

Be creative.... make it a fun time of day that they look forward to. They (and you!) will have far more fun memories as opposed to TV watching! Best wishes!

The TV breaking may just be the best thing for your boys in the long run. Here's an opportunity for them to develop their creativity, imaginary play, and independence. Hang in there and don't give up on using this as a teaching opportunity to learn to just play and make their own fun. And whatever you do, don't replace that TV.

There might be a little separation anxiety going on with the one year old. That is about the age that this occurs (I know, I am going through it with my 16 month old). Do you have the opportunity for your one year old to spend time with other adults outside the house (grandparents, friends you trust with your little one, etc.)? It might help him to learn to trust you will be around (he leaves, and you are home when he gets back every time!). I know it sounds weird, but that is what my pediatrician suggested for my one year old, and it is working. It also gives my three year old a chance to have some one-on-one time with me when my one year old is out with her grandparents. At dinner prep time, they play better together because they haven't been with each other all day. I also agree on no tv in the bedroom. It will take time, but they will learn to play without it.

I've never been real big on TV's in bedrooms. Even for myself. Maybe the TV is part of the problem. They can't or never learned to entertain themselves because they have TV doing it. (and I am not judging you because mine gets probably too much tv too!) Can you let them watch in the family room for a bit and then say "now we are going to be TV free for awhile, time to read books and play quietly" ? They won't adjust to it over night, but they will eventually. Unless you give in and get them another TV. There's nothing wrong with quiet time while Mommy cooks dinner. Also, maybe they just need a direction. Too many toys may be overwhelming. Pull out the crayons and paper and say I need nice pictures of (whatever) for the fridge, or for daddy. Books on tape can be good too. They can listen to the story and play. Otherwise, hit a yard sale and get a new TV this weekend! LOL Good luck...

It has been studied and determined that TV is not appropriate for kids under 4. Though, I know it is really rough having two kids at that age and TV really absorbs their interest, it appears to impair learning.
How about a CD player with kid songs and singalong songs instead?
A grandma

I would have to say that I agree with the others. I am having the same problem with my girls ages 3 and 6. Yes, we have a tv in their room, however, we are looking to work a cd player into the budget and when we get one for them, the tv will be coming out and the girls will hopefully start using their toys again. right now they only use their outdoor toys and the exercise trampoline because all they want to do is to watch tv. I don't know what I will do when I take their tv and do the bedtime training at the same time. they don't even sleep in their rooms because "I'm scared" so I am working on that too. Just know that You are doing your kids a favor by not putting a tv back in their rooms.

Sorry that this is happening. Do you have a way to section off an area w/a gate so they can be in a room w/ a TV for a set amount of time, or a video that they like? I have a gate that goes to 12' and is wonderful. If my granddaughter is in the family room I can see her playing while she watches one or 2 shows on the TV or a DVD. But her bedroom only has toys for reading stories, or sleeping. She is almost 2 and when she starts to throw a fit, we pick her up and say night night. Put he in her crib. And close the door. It has been 3 wks. now and she already is starting to say I sorry..I sorry. Before we get the door shut. So basically she is learning the bedroom is for sleep and for when she is misbehaving. But we do have a small boom box on her dresser, and play musical CD's for her. Hope some of this helps.

What about a CD player with some stories or music?

Thank goodness you found out they were getting " addicted to tv"- check out ChildrensBehaviorHelp.comm- they have helped us so much!
Best of luck,k

I STRONGLY recommend not putting a tv back in their room. I am not against tv (although I wish I were). My son, age 3, watches his fair share. But I personally do not think anybody should have a tv in their bedroom. Unfortunately, my hubby has to have one on to fall asleep. It is very disruptive to sleep patterns in most people. They should learn how to play together although at dinner time I know that is hard. They always know when you want them out. Perhaps start playing with them in their room about 10 minutes before you have to start dinner and maybe they can continue on their own. I have a 3 year old so I know how hard it is to get them to do anything you want. I am also learning that yelling at them does not make them stop yelling or crying!!LOL Try to make a game out of everything, see who can build the tallest tower of blocks...etc. Good Luck, you have support from moms everywhere.

My 4 year old boy Loves puzzles. I have a stash of the melissa and doug puzzles in my closet that increase in piece count as he gets bored with his existing one (which takes a long time surprisingly). Is there any type of toy or project they each feel the same about? If you introduce little new items as they get bored it could help. I agree that TV in the room is not a great idea. We actually just got done with a two week TV ban for my son. He is totally use to it now and hasn't even asked for it, he plays with his toys instead. They will get used to the situation, you just need to give them time. He also loves using his imagination. He just got a wooden pirate ship for his birthday and he plays with that for 30+ minutes at a time making up stories and having the pirates talk to each other. Hopefully you just need to find their "thing". Good luck!