MOMania

By MA

August 8, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

Absolutely not! The grocery store is a terrific learning experience. Settle them in the old-fashioned wire cart and let them help. Play “I Spy” the milk; let them hod the plastic bag and count how many apples you drop into it; offer choices (within limits) — strawberry or peach yogurt; and teach self control — we don’t open the packages until we have paid for them! All kids need these lessons from their parents more than they need another Barney episode!

By fk

August 8, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

Lose the carts with the TVs. The same goes for the autos with the dvd players.

By HL

August 8, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

Little kids do not need to watch TV and they especially do not need it at the grocery store. I agree with Theresa that you can make the grocery store into a learning and exploring experience for a little one.

By Joyce

August 8, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

TV in shopping carts? Are they kidding? This is a terrible idea from a parental standpoint. Not only can the supermarket be a great learning environment, but my son also has a “fan club”, as I call it of employees at our Publix that always say hello or give a hug or a tickle. Kids need to learn how to interact with people too; not just sit like zombies. (and I’m a hard-core couch potato!)

By Rosie

August 8, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

I recently tried to take my 2 year old to the grocery store and we passed the “car carts” without him noticing, but low and behold a lady drives up behind me with two kids in one of those huge things and he pitched the biggest fit! Needless to say we left the store and the buggy without buying a thing. The things are hard to navigate and hard to push around once you start loading it up, and the kids can get out of most of them so I don’t see the point. I started to take my screaming child up to the manager and ask him/her to push it while I shopped. I hate those buggies!

By Joyce

August 8, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

I sympathize with Rosie on those car carts. We use them, but I always feel like I’m driving an 18-wheeler. In my case, my son likes to buckle himself and his favorite product in, but fortunately he doesn’t really get the unbuckling part yet!

By Annoyed Shopper

August 8, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

I’m sure everyone’s kids don’t need a tv in the grocery store. But I was in the Kroger last night and a family with 3 children were hell on wheels. You could here them all over the store. They were running circles around their parents, handing off the cart. Give ‘em what every it takes, but behave!

By Aquagirl

August 8, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

Maybe it’s just me, but those things look like little cages. But I bet they’ll be popular as all getout, causing the ugly scenes that Theresa has envisioned. How sad that people will lock their kids in yet another TV equipped enclosure instead of being bothered to interact with them.

Skinner Box, anyone?

By Barry

August 8, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

Personally, I would much rather see parents teaching their children the self control to behave in the grocery store. But I can imagine circumstances when it would be a good idea to have something available to keep the children quiet and close at hand.

I wouldn’t use the TV for my family, but I wouldn’t say that it’s all bad, either.

By Rod

August 8, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

I agree with the lack of patience concept. Everything these days is instant gratification. Everywhere I go I see parents taking the easy way out. The DVD in the minivan, the crayons at the table in a restaurant. I’ve seen children with portable DVD players in a restaurant! (and don’t get me started with kids 10-15 on cell phones at the restaurant dinner table) If children don’t learn patience at an early age, they will never learn it.

My child sits in the car on a long drive and either looks out the window, naps or reads. He knows throwing a fit isn’t tolerated. He rides in my grocery cart and enjoys watching and helping me select some items. I pity early childhood teachers (1st - 3rd grade) more and more because of the rambunctious children they’re having to “baby sit”. The TV in a grocery cart may make it easier for the parent at that instant, but it’ll make everything harder in the long run.

By ATLDAD

August 8, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

“Give ‘em what every it takes, but behave!” Are you kidding me? What it takes for them to behave is hometraining and good parenting. I applaud the mother who left the store. If you can’t make your children behave and teach them appropriateness and manners then you need to leave them at home with a sitter!

By RJ

August 8, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

I’m not a Mom quite yet (one on the way), but I think my opinion still counts. It’s difficult enough trying to navigate the grocery store with those hard to navigate buggies that look like cars. they may keep the kids in one place, but so do the regular carts that are more narrow and easier to get by in the store. Also, my experiences going to the grocery store were fun because I was included in the shopping experience. If kids become a part of the experience, they will appreciate their moms more and may even want to help cook! I know I did. My husband grew up looking at the TV or hours and gets annoyed if he cannot watch it when we are out driving, etc. Educational or not, kids need to learn other activities or else it will follow them into adulthood.

By singlemom

August 8, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Rosie - did I read this correctly “I started to take my screaming child up to the manager and ask him/her to push it while I shopped.”

Did you REALLY have the store manager push your cart while you shopped? Just curious.

By scv

August 8, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

If anything, it would make me less likely to shop at Publix. And folks wonder why discipline and attention spans are so bad in school. Maybe starting in Kindergarten we should have tv’s on each desk so that if the kids are bored waiting for the next lesson they can squeeze in Sponge Bob. My 3 year old loves helping at the grocery store and can stay relatively still during teh 45 or so we are there. Its just simply letting them know what you expect of them and following through. Cart TVs…ridiculous concept.

By jill

August 8, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

When my 2 were at that stage in their young lives of me wanting to ditch them at the grocery store I came up with an idea of on hot days we pack a cooler in the car before we shop and if they behaved in the store we would stop at the park for a half hour after shopping. They soon learned it was better to let mom get the shopping done than to scream and cry and ask for things. They’re grown now and still talk about going to the park after shopping. All it took from me when they starting acting up was to just say if you act like that again we can’t go to the park. When they started school I would have them help me shop by getting things they could reach. Soon we were dividing up the list and going off with their own carts and meeting me at the check out line.

By Jessalyn Anglin

August 8, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

I think it is a terrible idea, for the same reasons Theresa mentioned. I’m trying to get my children to watch less TV, so it doesn’t make sense to create an opportunity for them to watch more. I like that there are more innovative ideas for entertaining children in the grocery store, but I’d like to see more educational ones. Maybe some sort of games to keep children interested in grocery shopping? Better yet, maybe something that requires them to use their imaginations?

By fer

August 8, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

This is dreadful. I am very disappointed in Publix. Kids already watch way too much TV. I’m sick of parents thinking TV is the answer to every problem; it is creating problems galore! Turn off those TVs at home, in the car, and now in the grocery store, and use your brains — parents and children!

By Clark

August 8, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

It always boils down to parents that MAKE their children behave to the point of severe punishment and the parents that are too busy giving their kids whatever they want just to keep them up. It’s the same in schools, at home, at venues and restaurants. SHOW SOME BACKBONE! If you don’t teach them to toe the line now, then the real world will do it for you once you’ve released the little brats to us in the form of a 20something. All these posts are moot until you get to the real problem. Who’s the leader in this MTV asylem? There is MAKE them behave or let them run wild. There is no middle ground. In short, the TVs in the shopping carts are a big move in the wrong direction.

By Mother Goosed

August 8, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

How long do you think those things will last? Someone will steal them; rowdy kids will break the screens, and I’ll give it a month before none of them works anymore. We’re paying for them with higher prices in the stores. I’d rather have lower food prices than pay for your kids to be entertained during their every waking hour. You can’t take your child to the grocery store for 1 hour without catering to them? You are raising a generation of tv-addicted zombies. Teach them manners and discipline, and you don’t have to worry about them being entertained in a grocery store.

By Soulfinger

August 8, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

This is such a horrible idea for so many reasons I can’t begin to list them all. Bottom line, its time for parents to start acting like parents vs. glorified babysitters.

By Jennifer

August 8, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

I don’t think that they are a good idea. I have 2 small kids and I already deal with the crying when all of the double-seater carts are in use and I know it will be a lot worse if they discover the TV carts. I know that’s my problem and I can deal with it, but most likely I’ll deal with it by doing my shopping during the hours my kids are at preschool! I feel like you learn so much by being aware of your surroundings, interacting with other people, and you can’t do that if you are absorbed in yet another episode of cartoons. I can’t knock TV because we learn a lot from that too, but you don’t need it all the time.

By Johnathan Swift

August 8, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

Let’s make the whole world for KIDS. No one else matters. The rest of us will take strychnine so that you parents & KIDS will not be inconvenienced by the pathetic childless child-haters. Actually, the preferred scenario would be to have the KIDS ingest strychnine, but i know that would be to much to ask.

By QAT

August 8, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

All you SUV driving, soccer mom, Buckhead Betty, bleached hair housewives need to keep your little crap machine from screaming while I’m shopping. If you can’t do that, TV is the next best thing.

By mel

August 8, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Not sure how a TV in a grocery cart (Mindless)compares to crayons at the restaurant (creative outlet, letting kids use their imagination.)But if this comes to any of my local Publixes, I will have to find a new place to shop. The grocery store is a chore that I hate with a passion, TV doesn’t get it done any faster!

By Jennifer

August 8, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone is suggesting that Publix is replacing the normal carts with the TV carts, Jonathan Swift, so get your head out of the oven.

By Belle

August 8, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

I’ve seen them in the stores but I believe that you have to pay to use them, there is a machine next to the carts and there are only like 2 carts per store or something..I’m not certain. So I’m guessing that it won’t impact prices.

Either way I won’t be using them with my child.

By Momof2

August 8, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

The problem is we are so busy trying ways to keep our children distracted instead of interacting with them. The carts are a horrible idea. My son at 2 was horrendous in the grocery store, but over time he has learned and he loves to help me shop now, selecting items from the lower shelves. Even reminds me at times, “Mommy, we need _” Secondly those carts are a chore to navigate, they are more a hinderance than anything else, after one try, I gave up on those carts. Now we opt for the kids helping me to push the regular ole carts, its’ really not hard to find alternatives to keep children edutained, some parents just need to try.

By mommyto2

August 8, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

OK, QAT no kids, then please keep your insulting remarks about children to yourself and off the parents blog. just a thougt!

i agree that it is no fun to grocery shop, less fun while other peoples kids are screaming and even less when its your own babes doing the yelling.

i will not shop at publix anymore over this. not to avoid fights with my toddlers, because i kinda enjoy them (i always win), but on principle. i understand they have the right idea. distract kids so shopping is more pleasurable, but i think coloring books and crayons or mini books would be a much better idea. studies have shown early and repeated exposure to TV increase a childs chances of having add or adhd. my son is already likely to have it because my husband and i both did, so i certainly don’t want to increase it with TV. parents need to learn ways to deal with their children in the store not put them in front of the boob tube. we always take a toy for the baby and my 3 year old helps mommy find what is on the list (i include pictures so she knows what is next) but even a book would work.

By Marie

August 8, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

I have four children who are now almost grown. One of the best things I ever did for them was keep technology at bay in their early years. They watched maybe an hour of tv a WEEK, they did not own any video games or gameboy-type systems until they were well into their teens. Because of this, they had to actually play and invent ways of keeping themselves busy (i.e., reading, playing outside, playing with each other). Putting entertainment everywhere so that children will be quiet or whatever is just pacifying children, not teaching them to be well-behaved, interesting people. Self-control, imaginative play, and normal conversations with other humans are becoming more and more rare. I taught my kids to behave at the grocery store and in the car without “crutches,” which is the way most of us adults were raised. We’re really messing up by putting off training issues with our kids, which is what is happening if we are always entertaining them.

By JustAskin'

August 8, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

I will admit. I going after I get off work with my little one to try it in Suwanee. I know that I will end up kicking myself later, but my little one behaves quite well in the grocery store. I never bring him when he’s hurngry or aorund or just before naptime. Truly then I am I asking for it.

My son is only allowed to watch 2 hours TOPS of television per day. That is including 1 Disney movie, 30 minutes of PBS in the AM and one 30 minute video before the family Disney movie. I enjoy spending the time with my son. For me, I would look at it as a reward to go and ride in the Publix carts. I could easily go to Walmart supercenter or Super Target where they don’t have these interesting carts.

People are ranting and raving over these carts, but it is up to you as the parent to use these carts or Publix as you see fit.

By Tracey

August 8, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

Oh, please! My advice: just say “NO!” If your kid starts pitching a fit and screaming, teach him that his behavior will not be tolerated in polite society. Believe me, other shoppers will thank you.

By Reid

August 8, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Let’s just get it over with. Give every kid a wrist-mounted mini-TV with headphones permanently planted in those little ears. They’ll grow up to be socially stunted subliterates with very little attention span, but they’ll behave, and isn’t that the point?

For the record, I have a 3.5-year-old, and I rather enjoy our trips to the store. She usually just walks with me and makes hilarious conversation.

By Rosie

August 8, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

This is in response to single mom’s question “did I ask the store manager to push the cart” - no I didn’t ask the manager to push the cart but wish I had now. I left the cart in the aisle and took my screaming child out of the store and waited until my husband was home and then went back. I am 5’2” and 122 lbs, I have no idea how much those car carts weigh but I can not push them around, I bump into other shoppers and counters. We left because I didn’t want other shoppers to have to endure a crying child, I couldn’t concentrate any longer so I know others couldn’t, and I didn’t want to deal with the situation in public because he was really pitching a fit. Please Publix and Kroger, get rid of these big ol’ carts unless you have folks that are ready to assist in pushing them around. I am like some of the other posters, we cater to our children too much and there needs to be places we can go that doesn’t provide any distractions because it is hard enough to get children to focus on the task at hand whether it be sitting in the cart patiently or sitting at a restaurant table coloring rather than eating.

By Great Parents

August 8, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

I am thrilled to hear that you are all such caring and wonderful parents. I am confident that your children will grow up to be productive members of society. Atlanta will be such a better place 15 years from now when they are all in charge. I, on the other hand, appreciate the opportunity to occasionally shop with a little help from this type of device. I have used these cars in other stores and think they are a wonderful idea. We ALL need a break now and then. ADMIT IT perfect people. I shop for 5 and I appreciate the idea of getting it done more efficiently with the help of these cars.

By soupy sales

August 8, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the WARNING and I’ll avoid publix stores and even more inflated prices. Who knows in a few weeks or months those TV carts will probably be recalled for child saftey and entrapment violations. Reminds me of a kid trapped in the old fridge days. Accountability!!

By LG

August 8, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Great parents, you are absolutely right. There were a few times when my kids were small that I could’ve used that tv cart. I’m not talking about every trip to the grocery store, but there were a few times when they were too wound up to sit in the cart. No one said that you had to use these things every time you go grocery shopping, but I think it’s nice to have it there if needed.

By Susan M.

August 8, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

I am so glad I’ll be shopping in peace without all you short-sighted, simple-minded, pathetic, overly idealistic, impractical morons that don’t have active, curious children that prohibit their moms from going to the grocery store without losing some of their mental wellbeing and sanity. Are you the stay at home moms with nannys, personal shoppers and perfectly behaved children at home? Why do you even have TV’s at all? The brain sucking devices that they are to you?

Thank you Publix for the clean stores, clean kid carts and innovative concepts like the kids TV carts. I am unable and unwilling to conduct a “starry-eyed interactive learning sessions” each and every time I take my two young sons to your store. I for one will gladly be using your carts to keep my kids distracted from junk food positioned at their eye level and will stare down anyone foolish enough to look sideways while I’m doing it. I actually cook and put a home cooked meal on the table and driving through a fast food drive through doesn’t work for me. Please being the TV carts to my store soon and let me shop when my husband is at work so that we can have more family time together.

By MariettaMom

August 8, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

LG, If your child is too wound up to behave in a grocery store, don’t take them.

If you need a TV cart to give you a “break” from being a parent, why not just leave them at home with Dad instead? I can think of plenty of ways to get my shopping done without exposing them to yet more tv. I’m not perfect, I just prefer that I, rather than the TV, parent my child.

By Virginia

August 8, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

The carts are bad enough, ever been run over by one of them? Not fun. Try teaching your children not to run around in the store and/or putting them in the regular store cart. Shopping is learning, they have a whole world of learning to read and even pick up social skills. Gee, as a single Mother, I managed quite well without all the entertainment, the running around and the hassle. Simple rules, teach your children manners, not to touch and how to behave when you go places.

By mom of two

August 8, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Where my sister lives they have a little play area for the kids. You sign them in and out (like IKEA has, I guess). Why not do that rather than a horrendous idea that would inflict more tv in our children’s lives. 2 hours per day of TV is way more than any child needs - recommendations are for less than 1/2 hour per day.

By Dave

August 8, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

Most kids are so out of control due to lack of parental skills, I suppose Publix is just doing their thing to keep things a little bit less crazy in their shopping isles. It is a stupid idea, but there is no end in sight for such dumb ideas.

OOPS!! Its a marketing tool… Wheeee

By Susan M.

August 8, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

Momof2… And what do they have inside the IKEA small world and Krogers Kids club? TV’s!! And you get the bonus of kids that are snotty nosed, germy and sick since other moms weren’t considerate enough to keep them home or take them with them while shopping.

By Renee

August 8, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

My daughter is entirely too old for that, but I don’t see it to be as horrible an idea as it is made out to be.

And I never had time to make grocery shopping a “learning experience”. I’m trying to get in and get out. I can teach at home.

While I personally am not a proponent of TV, I think others have forgotten the right to respect someone else’s opinion. To say that 2 hours is more than enough TV for any child is a bit presumptious. It may be more than enough for your child, but it may not be enough for or just enough for another’s child.

People raise children differently, it doesn’t make it right or wrong, it’s just different.

And if your child knows that throwing fits is not an option, and they don’t need a TV to keep them “occupied” then walking your child past the cart in the store, shouldn’t be an issue.

I personally wouldn’t find it enjoyable in a store, but Susan M, I love your “starry eyed learning experience” comparison. Too funny! I agree, and how unrealistic.

By Teacher's Kid

August 8, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Let’s see, we’re parking our kids in front of TV sets/computers/video games at home + DVD players built into car seats + TVs in shopping carts=ZERO imagination, ZERO attention span, FEW manners and LOTS of obese children. Not to mention the fact that Publix is providing fuel for a sure-fire hissy fit that will be pitched before the child even ENTERS the store if a parent has the guts to be a parent and say NO. For those of us here who are against the cart (judging from the number of responses, I’d say we’re in the majority), if we really want to send a message to Publix that this is wrong, how about we stop using our time on this blog to complain and put our money where our mouths are and instead write a letter to the management of Publix and boycott Publix until they discontinue the carts?

By Teacher's Kid

August 8, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

PS. This is per the American Academy of Pediatrics website on 28 JUL 06: www.aap.org/family/tv1.htm

“Until more research is done about the effects of TV on very young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend television for children age 2 or younger. For older children, the Academy recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of educational, nonviolent programs.”

‘Nuff said.

By Starr

August 8, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Helllllzzzz to the Nawwwwwwww we do not need tv’s in grocery carts…..why on earth would anyone want to do that???????????? I don’t even know why people i.e. rappers have tv’s & dvd players in the “steering wheel”!

By Rie

August 8, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

this is the stupidest thing I’ve heard of. our kids get enough tv at home and daycare. why do they need tv at the grocery store too?

besides some kids will see the videos over and over and over. each time their parents go shopping. which will defeat the purpose of having the videos anyway.

By Renee

August 8, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

It’s a recommendation, teachers kid. Again, some parents may choose to follow it, others didn’t.

Like I said, I limit TV time, but it’s definitely not due to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to do so.

By mark

August 8, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

If you can’t learn to control children, you shouldn’t have them. TVs in shopping carts is sad. God forbid some of these parents talk to, teach manners to or discipline their little monsters. What’s next, parents putting TV screens on their own chests to their kids will look at them. That’s what’s coming if people refuse to teach their children patience, restraint and decent behavior in public places.

By Mel

August 8, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

I will not comment, I will just say that most of us agree. So in addition to what Teacher’s kid said, I thought I’d post the link to email Publix and tell them what you think about it. Practice what you preach and tell them about it!

(http://publix.com/contact/SendUsAMessage.do)

By Rod

August 8, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Renee - are you that bad of a parent that you refuse to believe anything? More than 2 hours of TV per day is dangerous for any small child. There have been hundreds of different research topics done on this. I’m sure you smoked and drank while you were pregnant because you didn’t want to listen to any warnings then either!

By Fay Woo

August 8, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Publix is absolutely my favorite grocery store. I have passed “other” grocery stores on my way to a Publix. My son and I love the little carts that look like cars. They are big and awkward, but he enjoys it. However, a cart that includes a DVD player is taking it too far. Kids, especially the kids of today, need to learn discipline and patience. Learn it while they are young and then they are a lot less likely to go crazy when they grow up and don’t get every little thing their way. We will continue to shop at Publix, but I know how to tell my son “No”.

By mommyto2

August 8, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

i wish i didn’t pour all my energy into my chilren. yes we have 5 tv’s in our home all with satelite, but there has to be a line, and in MY house this crosses it. you can turn your children into hyperactive techno junkies completly void of personality, imagination or appreciation for the simpler things if you like but i will not. publix can keep their shopping carts, i will just take my business else where. i am sure parents who are to lazy to teach their children to behave in the store will keep them afloat. and i would rather my kids be starry eyed than glassy eyed. i have seen first hand the effects of early exposure to TV and i will be sure that my kids continue a limited amount. the tv they watch now monday thru friday are all small fry educational videos and on the weekends only do they watch anything else. i have with in the last two moths cut our whole families tv time in half and it is amazing how our relationships, chores and all around mood and energy level has changed.

By alias

August 8, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

I wish they would put these on the regular carts so I could watch tv while I am shopping, and chatting on my cell phone, because I certainly don’t get enough TV at home, what with 3 sets and the DVD players. While we’re at it, why don’t they put tv’s in the mall, target, kmart, CVS, Walgreens, or on the back ends of the cars so I can watch tv while driving and talking on my cell phone, while writing down directions to McDonalds, to get the rugrats their breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is so much quality tv that I miss during the day that I could catch up on while I run my errands……

Wait I have another idea, lets put DVD players in the carts too, so the kids wont be limited to just 3 measley programs. Let them bring their own movies, etc. or whatever they want, so they will be happy and quiet while Mommy shops. Make the carts bigger for the older kids too, why leave them out. And put in cup holders and trays so they can eat and drink and recline the seats too. Don’t want Junior to be uncomfortable.

Yes, this is a joke, please don’t take my post seriously…….off to La la land…..

By Renee

August 8, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Renee - are you that bad of a parent that you refuse to believe anything? More than 2 hours of TV per day is dangerous for any small child. There have been hundreds of different research topics done on this. I’m sure you smoked and drank while you were pregnant because you didn’t want to listen to any warnings then either!

Rod, it’s sad that you can’t have a debate, without name calling. I am far from a bad parent, not that I have to explain it to you. I don’t smoke or drink, so no I didn’t start while I was pregnant. AND if you paid attention, I have ALWAYS limited my daughter’s television, but it wasn’t due to any recommendation from anyone but myself. I didn’t want the television to be my daughters main focus. But since you seem to have a small IQ (shown by your previous comment), I will break it down for you.

The American Academy gives a recommendation. Do I agree with it, pretty much I do. Does every parent have to disagree with it. No. Does every parent have to follow it. NO. Does every child who watches a lot of TV turn out to be a criminal, or stupid, NO. I didn’t need the American Academy to give me recommendations on how to be a parent. I also believe in spanking which I’m sure in this day and age nobody hardly believes in touching their fragile little ones. My pediatrician suggested that my daughter eat table food after a year, I introduced it well before then. This is why they make suggestions and recommendations.

I didn’t limit my daughters watching of television because I thought she would be an idiot, I limited it because it should not be the main focus. It is an acceptable form of entertainment in moderation.

Do some children watch too much. In my opinion, yes. But opinions, are just that OPINIONS. And what one parent decides to do with their kid, short of the exaggerations you tried to make, is their decision. And because YOU don’t agree with them, doesn’t make it a STUPID decision.

It’s not YOUR world, and the way YOU think it should be. Have respect for others, which I’m sure after your comment, that you teach your children, the utmost respect, right?

By mommyto2

August 8, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

alias, ha ha ha ha!

By Soulfinger

August 8, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Renee, you are making so much sense. Each parent raises thier child differently. TV is NOT the enemy. Its parents thinking that TV is a substitute for actual parenting. Funny, my son is almost 7 years old and i am a single mom and i can not recall one single time where he has given me trouble while at the grocery store. In fact, he knows its his job to hold the list, check items off etc. What I see a lot of parents do which also works is just bring a toy or book from home. I can see the carts as being a novel idea and if i worked for Publix i could see it as a great idea! But once again, as a single mom, I feel it’s not needed if parents would stop trying to be friends to their kids and put thier feet down and say “NO!”

By Lindsay

August 8, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

I recently returned from a two week trip to Africa where we spent a great deal of time in orphanges. I think American children have been turned into spoiled little brats who need to learn how to behave and that they can’t have everything their little hearts desire. These children in the orphanges were thrilled with a piece of gum and even shared with their friends. Parents…wake up and teach your children what real life is about instead of keeping them quiet in front of a TV screen!

By mommyto2

August 8, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

actually Renee, he phrased it as a question so it really wasn’t name calling.

By MomCPA

August 8, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

What next, hats with a drop down screen for your every minute viewing pleasure?

By JMS

August 8, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

NO! Ridiculous and indulgent and as one shopper put it, it is like wheeling around an 18 wheeler! If your kids cannot go to a store for 30-45 min without entertainment then you need to seriously look at your parenting skills or lack there of! Annoyed shopper, your comment on give them what ever it takes but get them to behave, totally contradicts itself! That is the problem with kids these days their parents over indulge them and reinforce bad behavior. If your child cannot behave then they should not be taken out in public places! As a matter of fact from what I have observed, they get rewarded for their bad behavior! They learn that to get something they want they scream as loud as they can out in public they will be given what they are screaming for. Parents need to say no, stick to it, and remove a child swiftly from a public place and render a smack to the backside the lesson will be learned far quicker. Do not give me the talk about smacking a child, most of our parents smacked us and were smacked and they and we turned out fine! You do not have to hurt a child in a smack situation it is the idea of a smack that should get their attention that their behavior is not acceptable. I shudder to think what sort of adults we will get from the children that have to be constantly stimulated with electronic devices. I think part of what we are already seeing in the anti social behavior of children today is directly related to all these devices parents give them in place of talking to their children and actually doing the parenting themselves. My children were well behaved and drew compliments on just how well behaved they were, they were a pleasure to have around, they never “made me crazy” When they were young they did not get away with screaming for ANYTHING, and they learned early on that to behave is to be rewarded, to misbehave was not tolerated. Sadly most of what you see is not necessarily bad kids but bad and clueless parenting! The ironic part is those parents go home with those kids and live with that… day in and day out! So my thought, back when I was raising my children was to make them as pleasant to be around as possible as they were going to with me 24/7 for at least the first 5 years and then an awful lot after that!! You reap what you sew! And today I would like to have my children around a lot more, they are still a pleasure!

By Merle Evans

August 8, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

I’d prefer to see an obnoxious kid in the grocery store…than see one pacified with the “boob tube”. Just another weirdo money grubbing idea by Publix. They should spend more time stocking their shelves and less time enter- taining preschoolers. Makes me want to shop at ANY OTHER grocery store.

By Renee

August 8, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

actually Renee, he phrased it as a question so it really wasn’t name calling.

Actually, mommyto2, it was phrased as a question, which included bad mother which would be indicative of name calling.

Just like asking someone “are you an a**hole?”. I’m sure it was only meant with the best possible of intentions and it was just an innocent question.

But thanks for your…”explanation” anyway.

By HL

August 8, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

Renee - Child pyschologist will tell you that TV is dangerous for children. One in particular said children who cannot read should not watch any. The studies done show that it doesn’t matter what type…it’s the flickering of the TV…every few seconds it changes. Those impulses is what causes children to not develop longer attention spams. If you talk to teachers who taught before TV was around they will tell you that the classroom setting has changed dramatically. Kids can no longer sit for a time and listen to stories, etc. They used to long before TV.

By Mom2Four

August 8, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

Make a meal plan, make your shopping list according to that meal plan (this takes all of 20 minutes at home) and go shopping. Enjoy everything in between with your kids! My four year old knows the geography of Central America JUST from the bananas we buy! That is ONE example of the learning experiences at the grocery store. Why would you want to miss out on such an interactive opportunity? Plan ahead, know what you’re going to get and think of the rest of the store as a classroom. Math, geography and now with many products having labels in Spanish and English, language. We spend months waiting for kids to come into our lives…. we prepare a nursury, read all the books, vow to be the best parent ever…. we just can’t wait to have them and then we can’t wait for them to shut up and leave us alone. Seriously, priorities are not in order much anymore. Each minute we have with them is slipping by and we’ll never have the same day with them again. Treasure, love, teach and discipline your children or give them away. If you don’t have the parenting skills to assure your kids behave reasonably well in the store, don’t bring them. Yes, they are kids and they’re not always going to be up for an hour long grocery trip so you have to be observant enough to recognize that ahead of time and either reschedule your trip or leave them at home. TV in the carts is not the answer.

By Renee

August 8, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

I haven’t heard that HL, but it doesn’t surprise me. I definitely buy the part regarding the attention spans having changed but not the “flickering of the TV” part. That’s a bit farfetched for me.

By mommyto2

August 8, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

ok here is a couple of real life experinces to help prove the doctors right since all that medical school doesn’t mean much to some of you people. my daughter, did not watch TV at all before she was 15 months old. she is able sit through a book, a movie, focus on a task and is incredibly intelligent. My son however was exposed to TV from day one. He can’t sit still past page one, has problems with the activities in daycare, certainly can’t watch a 1 hour movie or focus on anything. he is 22 months old, only says a few words and is extremly hyper.the only difference in the way we raised them was the TV. i will make sure our next child does not see a flashy TV until he/she is at least a year old. my brother and i are another example. i personally have notice a great increase in my energy and ability to focus since we have started turning the TV off more. i never realized how BAD Tv really is and what it really does to your brain (because i have become so acustomed) until we tried turning it off. i think this is going to be a perminate thing in our house. just my recomendation!

By singlemom

August 8, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

mom2four VERY, VERY, VERY nicely put. I agree 100%.

By HL

August 8, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Another thing that you can notice with kids that watch TV too young, is that they cannot follow two step commands. A family member has been putting her kid in front of TV/videos, etc since day one…ugh…and he now has a problem following two step commands. You say pick up your socks and put on your shoes…he will only put on his shoes. If you give him something dependent on the other he is confused…the mother is trying to blame his birth and trying to build a lawsuit when it was her own stupid lack of parenting. I have never seen a kid be so mesmerized by TV. It is horrible! He is an unruly brat and people thing he has problems…it’s the TV.

By valgal

August 8, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

People who use those tv carts are missing out on a wonderful learning experience; not just about food and shopping but MANNERS AND PATIENCE! My 19 month old would much rather sit up top and help shop that watch tv.

By Renee

August 8, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

That behavior, and difference in children, mommyfor2, could be attributed to several different reasons, and not necessarily anything to do with a television. My stepson for instance had all of those qualities you just spoke of at that same age, and at 3 years he was diagnosed at autism.

I am definitely not trying to say your son is autistic, but you should really open your mind that it could be more than just the TV, and that it could be any number of issues.

By mommyto2

August 8, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

The flickering of the TV is what makes the most sense. the change of images stimulates the brain. to much quick stimulation of one part can led to attention problems. if you have ever played tennis, when you and your oponet are hitting the ball back and forth your heart rate speeds up, when you stop your heart is still racing, waiting for you to start again. same concept!

By singlemom

August 8, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Well I admit I let my child watch too much tv when she was younger. She had breakfast with Barney and company every morning while I was getting ready for work. When we came home she would watch Barney again, along with Arthur and other PBS shows geared towards kids. It was just the two of us, and I would use that time to unwind from work, pick up here and there, and get dinner started. Once dinner was on the table, the TV was turned off.
We sit down at night and watch tv together. I grew up watching tv and I turned out ok, and my child is doing ok too.
They problem is there is not much quality programming any more. We watch mostly Food Network, Animal Planet, HGTV, Discover Chanel and National Geographic, etc. And of course we rent DVD’s on a weekly basis. During summer we watch way more DVD’s, and less television since everything is in repeats and pretty much mindless….. Now once football season starts, all my tvs will be on Fox5, starting at noon. I love the pre-game show with Terry Bradshaw and company, then I will watch the 1:00 games, but only if the Falcons or Broncos are on. My child will watch the Falcons with me, or she will be on the computer in the same room. I honestly don’t think tv is bad for kids. But, that is MY opinion, and I may differ from others, but that’s ok too.

By Mamachka

August 8, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Yet another way for ineffective parents (who I’m sure will claim “exhaustion” as their excuse) to ignore their children. Guess, what, everybody is tired, busy, stressed — welcome to being a real life grownup. With a little planning, like mom2four and many others do, shopping is entirely do-able with small children.

My twins were really challenging in the grocery store, especially when about 18 months old. With a little bit of pre-planning I made it work. Sure there were fussy moments; and occasionally I had to pack it up and try again later, but we all lived. I can’t imagine what bad behavior my children would have today if they had been allowed to watch TV while in the store when they were toddlers. Today I have two good listeners, who aren’t perfect of course; but they understand and respect boundaries, including what kind of behavior is appropriate in public. I wonder what kind of opportunities they had early in life that led them to this good behavior?

TV carts aren’t helping kids at all — it does them no favors. The carts only help lazy parents continue destructive habits.

By Rod

August 8, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

Renee, since you think that the 100’s of studies that show excessive tv watching are just opinions and each parent should make their own decision: does that mean you think a parent who plops his/her child down in front of a tv for 4 hours a day is alright (not that you support it - but do you think it’s fine for that parent to make that choice?)

Getting back to the smoking scenario. I think everyone knows the dangers of a pregnant woman smoking. However, as per your previous comment, it’s only a recommendation that pregnant mothers don’t smoke. Therefore, if you saw a woman 8 months pregnant smoking 2 packs a day - you’d be fine with it and just say it’s her choice? I call it child abuse and she’s literally damaging (possibly killing) her child.

Some things are more than opinions (to much tv harms kids, smoking by pregnant women harms the fetus) and should be taken as fact. Not just blown aside as mommy’s choice as it appears you believe. And yes, I do believe those choices (that deliberately harm kids) are stupid, I’m just sorry that you don’t.

By Mother Goosed

August 8, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

Since there will be limited numbers of these carts in each store, what are you going to do when your child wants a ride in one, and none are available? Are you going to teach them tolerance and understanding, or are you going to gripe, too, because there aren’t enough to go around? Maybe you’ll stand in the foyer of the store for an hour or more, waiting in line for the next available cart? I think this has the potential for causing arguments in the stores of “I was here ahead of you, we’re next”, etc. I can see parents fist-fighting over one now. I chuckle.

By HL

August 8, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Renee - here is a study that proves the flickering… www.drgreene.com

The more television that toddlers watch, the more likely they are to have ADHD when they are school age, according to a provocative study in the April 2004 Pediatrics. The study followed more than 2,600 children, initially at ages 1 to 3. The overall rate of ADHD at age 7 was about 10 percent. But for the top 10 to 20 percent of television viewers, the ADHD rate was about 3 times higher - and increased by about 9 percent for every additional hour of daily television watch. This study did not look at different kinds of programs, and certainly does not tell us what caused what. Perhaps kids who already had short attention spans were more drawn to TV. Or their parents were more likely to need the TV for relief. But it’s also possible that exposure to the rapidly shifting images of television during those years of critical brain development changed the way that those brains developed. Until we know more, it is wise to be cautious about excess television viewing in the first 3 years.

By mommyto2

August 8, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

And you should be open to the fact that it may be the TV or really early signs of ADHD “most likely” due to the early and repeated exposure to television among a few other things according to my sons DOCTOR.of course you have made it obvious that the whole medical degree doesn’t impress you. Sorry but I am not going to let MY kids become anti social, boob tubers with no creative ambition or ability to play on their own. And no i don’t need a doctor to tell me that over exposure to television is a bad thing. i have common sense. my ignorance may have harmed my son, but at least i have the forsight to change it.

By rob

August 8, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Just one more way, that parents can become more lazy and less active with their kids. We might as well just have video monitors in the classroom, to take the place of teachers, thats what were instigating now, video parenting!!!

By Rod

August 8, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

Hello singlemom - one thing I noticed. You stated ” I grew up watching tv and I turned out ok, and my child is doing ok too.” Just keep in mind that although you grew up watching tv (as did I), I’m sure it wasn’t near the amount that your child is now watching. TV was around when we were young (I’m 41), but we hardly watched it for hours on end when we were 2, 3 or 4 years old. Everyone loves a little tv, just the massive amount of hours is what appears to be dangerous.

By cs

August 8, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

How about all you parents teaching your kids a little discpline when out in public. What is wrong with making a kid sit in the cart, for their own safety? Same goes for restaurants, how about making them sit at the table until the family is finished eating, instead of up running around getting in the way of the people trying to serve you?

By Renee

August 8, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Renee, since you think that the 100’s of studies that show excessive tv watching are just opinions and each parent should make their own decision: does that mean you think a parent who plops his/her child down in front of a tv for 4 hours a day is alright (not that you support it - but do you think it’s fine for that parent to make that choice?)

Yes, I do. I think that’s what I’ve said. I watched wayyy more TV than mine ever have, and even as an adult sometimes on weekends, even occasionally during the week, I watch more than 2 hours. I’m quite literate, I don’t jump around, I can retain information and the jumping on the TV screen hasn’t been a danger to me or my siblings.

I personally don’t find everything, or much of anything on TV appropriate for children, and I don’t want TV to be the governing factor in my house.

Smoking is a drug, which you are taking into your body, and cannot be compared to TV. TV does not have the side effects that nicotine does, is not on the same addiction level as nicotine, and does not cause DEATH, so comparing the two is ridiculous.

When a legitimate study comes out showing watching more than 2 hours of TV a day will cause death or brain cancer, then yes, I will pay attention.

I don’t need a study to be done to make decisions for my children. I use judgment and common sense. But my right way is not the right way for all children. I believe in spankings, 100%. However, if another parent doesn’t believe in spankings, then so be it. Also with my belief in spankings, I don’t spank my stepson who is autistic. That would be ridiculous. What works for one kid, may not work for another.

And if you think that a parent letting their child watch more than 2 hours of TV a day equates abuse lets me know, you have no idea of what abuse actually is.

By Rod

August 8, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

RENEE - WHAT A STUPID POST YOU MADE!!

You said: “I watched wayyy more TV than mine ever have, and even as an adult sometimes on weekends, even occasionally during the week, I watch more than 2 hours. I’m quite literate, I don’t jump around, I can retain information and the jumping on the TV screen hasn’t been a danger to me or my siblings.”

And yes - I know damn well what abuse is: It’s a parent who deliberately hurts their child to a point of no return. Like damaging their brains watching tv for hours as a small child. You need serious psychological help!!!

We aren’t talking about you!! HELLO? ANYBODY HOME?!?! We’re talking about small children. Their brains and motor skill functions are different than adults!!! HELLO?!?! I personally watch 2 - 3 hours a day and about 5 hours on the weekend. It’s not the same thing - We’re talking about children!!!

By E. Lewis

August 8, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

The less television the better.

By singlemom

August 8, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Rod You are correct!! However, sometimes we don’t WATCH the tv, it’s just on for background noise.

When I was a kid, we watched some tv, but we were in a neighborhood with tons of kids. We rode our bikes all over town, hiked up in the mountains, played hide and seek and kick the can in the streets at night, and climbed trees. When was the last time you saw a kid climb a tree? I actually taught my daughter and nieces how to properly climb a tree not to long ago (it took me back to my youth). We actually went outside and used our imaginations. It was also very cold where I grew up, with alot of snow. We sledded, skiied, shoveled, built snow forts, and had snowball fights. Of course, this was also in a small town, back in the 70’s, and we were safe. Plus we had less tv viewing options back then, 5 or 6 channels I believe. Oh yea, and we had to actually get up, and walk across the room in order to change the channel. We had one Atari game, Pong I believe it was called, so we were usually outside most of the time. I am amazed at the parents who do not allow their children to play outside. Instead now they schedule Playdates, which I think is absurd. When my daughter was younger, and in our previous neighborhood, my neighbor and I would go outside and play with all the kids. Some of kids would actually come and get us. We played kick-ball, tag, taught some of them to ride bikes, and no other parents would be out there with us.
Let the kids go outside, if possible, and get some fresh air and use their imaginations. Plus they sleep so much better at night when exposed to the great outdoors.

By HL

August 8, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

The studies suggest that once full literacy has taken place that TV viewing is not necessarily harmful, but for health children over 7 or 8 should only watch 5 hours a week.

We don’t have the TV on when our son is awake and in the family room. My husband “listens” to the Braves on TV through the stereo, but the picture is not on.

By Renee

August 8, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

ROD - Your intelligence definitely surpasses mine. How could I even try to go up against the likes of you.

Do you understand what “watched” means (it’s the past tense of watch). I “watched” way more TV than my children ever did, as a small child, hence my reference to my siblings. Not as a grown up, which I also referred to in the same sentence.

I see with you, I cannot include 2 different thoughts together, because you are unable to distinguish. My apologies.

You continue not abusing your children, if that’s what you feel like you are doing. Because anyone allowing their children to watch more than the RECOMMENDED two hours is not abusing their children. They are making a parenting decision that you don’t agree with, hence I doubt you are doing it with YOUR