Circle of Neglect vs Television

[Editors Note: I wrote this post some time in the past but was shy to publish it.  Ahh, those feelings of being judged for parenting decisions.]

DON'T WORRY: THIS PHOTO IS ONLY A JOKE!!!

Generally, Joshua and I agree on most things regarding the baby.  Since she is my full time job, I read the literature on what she should be eating, about different ideas of sleep training, etc.  I share what I've learned with Joshua and we then decide as a team which was to proceed.  However, two debates have become a little comical around the house:  The Circle of Neglect vs the Television.

Backstory:  When Alma was a few months old, a friend offered to lend us an excersaucer (or "circle of neglect" as we call it in our household).  Joshua and I debated for quite some time about if we should accept the kind offer.  I thought it would be helpful for keeping Alma in one spot and entertained momentarily during the day when I was home alone if I needed to do something in another room (i.e. use the restroom) and Joshua felt that it may not be developmentally appropriate, citing that babies shouldn't be put in a standing position if they were not ready to stand. Eventually, it was decided that since I'm home, I should be able to accept this loan as long as it didn't replace parenting.  As for television watching, while we are both against it for wee ones, Joshua likes to watch tv to turn of his brain after work.  However, I like to follow the rule that if Alma is in the room, the tv is off.

We each try to respect each other's wishes and so once we gave in on the Circle of Neglect, as a joke, I set Alma up in it in front of the TV for a photo. See? We both lost our parenting battle!  Hooray!