It's easy to fall into the trap of trying to be a perfect parent, the one we had or wished we had. You can't be perfect, not even for your kids. In fact, if you

It's easy to fall into the trap of trying to be a perfect parent, the one we had or wished we had. You can't be perfect, not even for your kids. In fact, if you try to be a perfect parent you'll probably become a bad one. Kids are very resilient and understanding, and all they demand is to always be kept warm, fed and loved. All other things are less important, as long as they get some. This includes attention. It's a matter of balance, as you can't give them everything. For example, it's better to provide a bit of high quality attention than a lot of low quality attention. If you are present physically but not mentally, your kids will notice. Better go, read the news or your email, and come back fresh. They won't care that much that you left, as long as you come back both physically and mentally. No TV rules are great and all, but parents are human beings and sometimes need a break. It's better for the kids to have some TV and sane parents, than no TV but tired, moody and anxious parents. The TV rule is not an absolute one: some TV + present parents > no TV + nanny, for example. All this said, it's freaky to see your very active children veg in front of a screen; the least TV the better. +1 on no cable. Cable is really bad for kids, as it gives you little control. If you need some break (you will) get a roku or apple TV and put some youtube videos of kiddie songs (google barefoot books, for example). At least this way you have some control on what they watch when you go to the restroom for that well deserved break.