Parenting is nonstop. Between school runs, meal prep, laundry, and bedtime chaos, finding time for yourself can feel almost impossible. Even when the house is finally quiet, you’re often too tired to decide what to watch.
Yet even short moments of laughter, drama, or a familiar comfort show can feel like a small reset after a long day. Over time, I’ve discovered a few simple ways parents can enjoy TV without guilt or frustration. These five strategies help turn small pockets of screen time into something that actually feels restorative.
TV Time is Self-Care, Not a Luxury
Parenting is mentally and emotionally demanding. Your brain rarely switches off, even when the kids are asleep. Taking a break to watch TV is not indulgent. It is a way to give your mind a rest.
Even a single episode of a funny or heartwarming show can:
📺 Reduce stress levels
📺 Improve mood
📺 Help you feel more patient and present
The key is allowing yourself to enjoy it properly rather than treating it like something you should rush or feel guilty about.
Pro tip: Create a simple TV ritual. Dim the lights, grab a snack, and sit down properly. Treat it as intentional downtime rather than background noise you half-enjoy.
2.
Short Episodes Fit Busy Schedules
Long dramas and hour-long episodes rarely suit real parenting life. Short episodes are far easier to fit around unpredictable evenings and early mornings.
Episodes in the 20 to 30 minute range work particularly well for:
📺 Naptime breaks
📺 After-school homework windows
📺 Winding down before bed
Parent-friendly short episode shows include:
📺 The American Office
📺 Motherland
📺 Gavin & Stacey
📺 Ted Lasso
📺 Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Shorter episodes also make it easier to stop without feeling like you’ve cut something off halfway through.
If you’re looking for specific recommendations, you can read our Top 5 Binge-Worthy Comedy Shows to Watch Right Now.
Plan Your TV Like a Mini Project
When free time is limited, scrolling endlessly through streaming apps can be frustrating. A little planning goes a long way.
Simple habits that help:
📺 Queue shows in advance
📺 Decide which shows suit short breaks and which need a longer sit-down
📺 Keep a short list of go-to comfort shows
📺 Alternate adult-only viewing with family-friendly options
Planning removes decision fatigue and means that when you finally get a quiet moment, you actually enjoy it rather than wasting it choosing.
4.
Include Shows for the Whole Family
TV does not always have to be solo. Family-friendly shows can create shared moments while still giving you a mental break.
Family viewing can:
📺 Create bonding time
📺 Help kids understand structure around screen time
📺 Let you relax without constantly monitoring
Examples include:
📺 Bluey for younger kids
📺 Modern Family for older children
📺 Stranger Things for teens
Pro tip: Mixing adult-only shows and shared viewing during the week helps balance me-time with family time, without either feeling like a compromise.
5. Make TV Guilt-Free
Many parents feel guilty about sitting down when there is always something else to do. Shifting this mindset is important.
TV is not a reward for finishing everything. It is a tool for recharging.
Tips for guilt-free viewing:
📺 Keep sessions short or scheduled
📺 Choose shows you genuinely enjoy
📺 Remind yourself this time supports your wellbeing
Over time, allowing yourself to rest without guilt can improve your mood, patience, and overall energy.
Bonus: Organising Your Viewing by Mood and Time
Matching shows to your energy level makes a big difference.
📺 Quick laughs for short breaks after dinner
📺 Relaxing drama once the kids are asleep
📺 Family shows in early evenings
📺 Quirky or more involved shows for weekends
This approach helps TV fit around parenting life rather than competing with it.
Our Final Thoughts
Finding time for TV as a parent is not about avoiding responsibilities. It is about carving out small moments that help you reset. Short episodes, a bit of planning, shared viewing, and letting go of guilt can turn limited screen time into something genuinely enjoyable.
When life feels busy and overwhelming, those small moments of relaxation matter more than we often realise.
