My daughter CONSTANTLY asks for Sesame Street or Alvin & The Chipmunks

Olivia - posted on 03/06/2010

"Elmo, Elmo" is the first words of the day basically. My son wants Elmo all the time, but he can be easily diverted to something else. We have a few Elmo stuffed animals (the most realistic one is the best and it doesn't talk)... and we have many books, so he can have his fix without watching the DVDs all the time.

Kat - posted on 03/02/2010

i jst let my child know that it isnt their turn right now but they might b on later...and then mayb put it to her that she can pick a book for us to read instead.

Susan - posted on 03/01/2010

My son LOVES 'Melmo'...aka Elmo. But he only gets to watch it on the DVD player in the car to and from daycare. Which takes about 20 minutes each way. I love it keeps him occupied in the car. First think he does is point to the DVD player and say 'Melmo'. At home he is not very interested in TV which is nice, but he will watch an occasional Thomas the Train episode before dinner (which is only like 10-15 minutes I think). So I think we are doing OK.

Maybe you can get the figures and 'play' out an episode of Alvin or Sesame Street after she watches it.

Wanda - posted on 02/28/2010

My son wants "Elmo" or "Iggle" (Igglepiggle) and has recently started with "Dora". I don't mind him watching some TV but I definatle work in some other things as well. He gets upset when I turn off the TV but I've gotten him into the habit of telling - insert show here- 'bye bye' when it ends. It seems to hsve helped. Distraction also helps. I'm ready with paper/crayons, finger paints, a book or whatever when the show is over. If he has something else to focus on, he doesn't miss the TV so much.

Kristen - posted on 02/20/2010

Thank you all! It appears we are working through the Alvin phase. She still asks for "Elmo" every day but now we read lots more books. Whew!

Misti - posted on 01/29/2010

I have a daughter that was born jan 14th 08 and a niece who is6 months older than my daughter. My daughter is super active she never sits still for nothing and she has been like this since she was walking at 8 months, my niece has always been laid back and sits and watches tv shows or reads books and isnt so active. I would always say i wish my daughter would sit still for like 30 minutes and be still. About 2 months ago she started asking for Dora ,which she has never seen on tv just toys or books so i recorded it on DVR and she loved it. so i recorded her more and she loves them she asked for them all day if she is awake she wants to watch it but i do limit her.. she prolly still watches it too much but she is still very active and loves to play but she will sit and watch Dora so i am loving that i mainly put it on for her if i need a break or cooking or cleaning so shes not under me the whole time, but Dora has taught her to count to 10 so its not all bad.

Lindsay - posted on 01/26/2010

From the moment my daughter wakes up until she goes to bed she asks for VeggieTales constantly. I don't like her watching a lot of TV, so normally we watch 2 episodes a day (they vary from 30-40 minutes), one in the morning and one in the afternoon/evening. Unfortunately, I am on modified bedrest with my current pregnancy and the TV gets watched much more frequently these days (Sesame Street, and Handy Manny are now some new favorites). She did get a Laurie Berkner Band DVD for her birthday and I don't mind her watching that because they do a lot of dancing and movement with it & she loves to dance & sing. I am dreading trying to wean her back off of the TV after the baby is born.

Anita - posted on 01/26/2010

I have the same problem but with Bolt or Special Agent Oso (depending on her mood it's one or the other though most times it's Bolt). I was so looking forward to On Demand not having that movie available anymore when they extended it. So, Bolt it is more days than not. But only once during any day and not every night (I would go insane if I had to do it more frequently than we already do). From what I experienced as an aunt it's a phase of theirs and my nephew didn't have any damage done to him (he's 13 now and in advance classes and makes top grades).

Holly - posted on 01/25/2010

I would be tired of constant meltdowns too! Reading is definitely important! Have you looked into buying some new Sesame Street and Chipmunks books? Announce when it starts into Elmo's World that after Sesame Street it will be time to read and pull out the new book as they are saying goodbye. Transitions are always tricky but it may help. After a reasonable amount of reading maybe put on the cd and transition the same way. After that then maybe you can pop in one of Sesame Street's half hour dvds so she feels that she's gotten what she wanted and so have you. I know tv is never good but my daughter adores Sesame Street and is already counting to 3 and pointing out letters. Combined with cds to dance to and her love of books I have so far been really lucky to not have too many battles. Routine is always extremely important but it sounds like you've got that down. 2 yr olds are never logical or cooperative so keep trying!