By Kristina Johnson of thatmommylady.com

Arizona mom Jessica O’Neil is now freely telling friends and family members that her 18-month-old daughter “occasionally watches a little TV.” It’s a major departure from her previous claims on the topic, which included, “OMG NEVER! What kind of mother do you think I am?” and “Over my dead body.” The change comes on the heels of newly relaxed guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which had previously frowned upon any screen time at all for kids under 2.

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“When I heard about the new recommendations, I breathed a big sigh of relief,” said O’Neil. “I would never be able to cook, shower, or even use the bathroom if I didn’t let my little girl watch a few minutes of TV and there. Educational stuff only, of course.” O’Neil was quick to add that she’s not letting her daughter go overboard with her screen time, restricting it to just 10 to 15 minutes a day.

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Anonymous sources inside the home, however, told a different story: “I watch Mickey! Den ELMO! An’ Peppa Pwig! I lub TV. YAAAAYYY!”

O’Neil said she’s glad she’ll now be able to harness the educational power of television and smart phones guilt-free, adding that the ability to “poop in peace” is just another “great benefit.”

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About the Author

Kristina Johnson is a new mom, writer, and TV producer living in New York City. She loves her daughter deeply but can admit that she wouldn’t mind if babies came with an off-switch. Her interests include books, Netflix, and coming up with snarky responses to people who ask when she’s having baby #2. She blogs regularly at thatmommylady.com.