Is TV bad?

I was at my daughter's swim class this morning, and as I was dressing her afterwards I was speaking with another mother. I mentioned a Baby Einstein movie, and she commented that she never lets her daughter watch TV. It made me instantly feel like a bad mother for a split second, and then I started to think about it. There are so many parents who don't want their children exposed to TV and to play and be outside and use their imagination in lieu of being camped out in front of the tube. I am definitely one who would like children to play, be outside, and not center their day around a TV. However, I do put some shows on each day for my baby as down time, or if I need twenty minutes to myself. Is that so wrong? I know in the lives of women, who are always judging each other whether you admit it or not. The workout friend who never misses the gym makes you feel guilty about your body. The mother who makes all her own organic baby food makes you feel lazy. Women judge other women all the time, and we will not always show it, but we doubt ourselves time to time when another woman discusses something that makes you second guess yourself.

I am drifting off topic, but I have noticed that becoming a mom is like starting high school again. The women are still the same, and you have to stick to your own personal instincts and beliefs without being swayed by guilt or envy. Do you have to have the top stroller? the most expensive baby items to be a good mom? No. Is allowing your child watch TV a bad decision? In my opinion no. TV in moderation seems like a good rule of thumb with my baby and with my nine yr old stepson. I think moderating the programs and movies is part of parenting. After thinking about this conversation, I came to the conclusion that I was confident in my decisions. Again, back to the high school analogy, you have to stick to your instincts, and make decisions and choices with confidence.