Mum shares 'guilt-free' parenting hack for when you just need 5 mins timeout

"I'm all for no screen time, but sometimes Mummy just needs a moment, and this one thing has become a lifesaver in our household."

Photo: iStock

I love spending hours entertaining my nine-month-old daughter. 

No, really, I'm not being sarcastic; I really like it. I genuinely enjoy creating my own choreographed dances to The Wiggles, reading her stories with Oscar-worthy voice acting, and channelling my very best David Attenborough to (wrongly) identify the many plants and animals on our daily walks.

But after hours of dancing, reading and walking, Mummy needs a little timeout to sit and, well, not entertain a small child. That's where this life-saving program makes a splash.

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So, what's the solution when you want to pop the TV on for 15 minutes but don't have the bandwidth for someone asking you rhetorical questions about going on adventures or where the red triangle is?

Hello, Dory's Reef Cam.

Head underwater with Dory and all her friends. Image: Disney+

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Head underwater as you enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef's captivating sea life, and keep your eyes peeled for some of our favourite Finding Nemo/Finding Dory friends as the video loops. You and your little one will feel calmer and relaxed in no time.

It's science!

But don't just take my word for it; science has proven it a good idea.

A recent study explored the benefits of interacting with fish in aquariums, and the findings suggest that it can positively impact human well-being. Watching fish can lead to relaxation, improved mood, better pain management, and even influence factors like nutrition.

While a giant fish tank isn't the most practical in my small apartment, that doesn't mean I can't put one on the TV and channel a sense of calm with my little one.

I love watching her eyes dart all over the screen as she sees the vibrant scenes unfold before her.

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Perhaps a fish bowl is the apartment's answer to an aquarium? Source: MART PRODUCTION via Pexels

Save the guilt trip

Screen time often comes with guilt for parents, but I personally think instead of simply switching on the TV or handing over an iPad without involvement, we can actively participate in and monitor what our children are watching and playing. And it seems I'm not alone with these thoughts.

TikTok account, dadswhotry shared this refreshing insight into screen time and kids on their account:

With over 9,000 likes, many have taken to the comments section to share their similar views on screen time. One parent wrote, "I love this energy. Too much judgmental parenting on the internet..."

Another shared that it helps with managing workloads between parents, "Needed this today," he wrote. "Wife works nights, I work from home and no babysitter today. Screen time is the only way for me to work today."

Now, before you jump in the comments and tell me I'm a bad mum and no amount of screen time is good for a baby, first, don't. And secondly, I find after a few moments (and a couple of sips I was able to take of my lukewarm coffee) we're both ready to get playing, and the TV is switched off again.

As a parent or carer, sometimes you need to do what you need to get through the day, and that's okay. Moderation is key, and this mamma ain't passing any judgment here.

Originally published as Mum shares 'guilt-free' parenting hack for when you just need 5 mins timeout