I think parents get the short shrift all too often. In a perfect world, we'd provide a nuturing, enriching environment 24/7, because that's what we want to do.

The reality is, we work, things come up, and we don't sleep enough. Even if we never slept, we couldn't get it all done.

It's easier if we tell ourselves that what they're doing on the computer is "educational" or that what they're watching on TV has some redeeming value.

I'm one of the parents who doesn't forbid TV and I never kept my kids away from the computer. But I didn't encourage it at an early age, and they have to have all their important stuff done--homework, room picked up, etc.

I tend to agree with 1seremen when it comes to parenting styles. I'm really tough with my kids on some things, and less strict with others. My son has turned out ok, so I'll continue the course with my daughter.

In many cases, parents are too busy doing "their own things" so they are happy to let the video screens "babysit" their children. Even parents who are well-meaning may not want a child in the kitchen around a hot stove when they're trying to prepare dinner, or when they're trying to make a private phone call, or take a shower, so kids spend time on their own.

Parents have different style of parenting and what works parent A, may not work for parent Z.

Time limit works for some children and it does not work for others and I think both parenting are good provided it works for each family.

I hope this helps!