Parenting is very tiring and it is definitely better for a parent to take a break and let a kid watch TV than to be angry or resentful around the kid. I understand how it can be a lifeline in those moments. I just didn’t like the sound of TV, especially children’s TV. Especially Barney. OMG. I HAAAATTE BARRRRNEYYYYYYY. So it was easier for me and my husband (same way) to keep the TV off. And keeping the TV off during the children’s growing up years (except for videos pretty much) made for a much different kind of energy in the house than there was before we did it). To me, it felt as if we lived better. It felt as if we did more reading, more talking, more cooking. That there was more energy made by the people inside the house, less coming from the outside. That we had more homemade entertainments, fewer interruptions, more chances to sit quietly, more looking at birds out the window, more drawing, more cutting up carrots together, more willingness to go now, not in half an hour when my show is done, more hikes, more whatever. People have to do what is right for them. I did what was right for my temperament (can’t stand jangly sounds — makes me crazy — can’t be a good mother), but it worked out okay. So I am sure your choice will work out for you, too.