The TV is a prominent fixture in most American households. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average child watches three hours of TV per day. This is an enormous amount of time to spend involved in such a passive activity. Just think of what they could accomplish if they used those three hours in a more constructive manner. I have compiled ten tips for taking control of the television in your house so it won't control you and your children. Hopefully, if you follow these tips, you will spend more quality time as a family. 1. DO NOT PUT A TELEVISION IN A CHILD'S ROOM This is too big of a temptation for a child. It is too easy to turn the TV on before bed rather than reading a book. I know from my personal experience that I sometimes find it difficult to sleep after watching a TV show with a lot of action or tense drama. It is much easier to relax and sleep after reading a book. 2. SET LIMITS ON THE AMOUNT OF TV EACH DAY The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum of two hours of quality programming per day. Quality programming will vary from house to house, but could include educational shows on PBS, the History Channel, or the Discovery Channel to name a few. 3. MAKE SURE HOMEWORK IS DONE BEFORE THE TV GOES ON I have always had a strict rule in my house that homework must be done before the TV can be turned on. I know from experience that if I let my kids turn on the TV after school, it is hard to get them to turn it off. 4. EAT FAMILY MEALS AT THE KITCHEN TABLE, NOT IN FRONT OF THE TV I think that this rule is very important for several reasons. First, children need time to talk about their day with parents. The dinner table is a perfect gathering place for families at the end of the day. If your family eats in front of the TV, you are missing out on great conversations. Second, children may not pay attention to how much they are consuming if they eat in front of the TV. With the rising rates of childhood obesity, children need to be conscious of what they are eating and how much they are eating. 5. CHILDREN ARE CAPABLE OF ENTERTAINING THEMSELVES IN OTHER CONSTRUCTIVE WAYS Your children might surprise you if you are firm about setting limits on television viewing. Of course they may complain the first few times you tell them, but once they realize you are serious they will adapt. They might discover a hidden talent or hobby if they are allowed to use their creativity to entertain themselves. 6. CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH OBSERVATIONS If you are constantly turning on the TV, chances are they will too. If they see you reading a book, working on a scrapbook, or cooking gourmet meals, maybe they will want to join you. Let your kids see you working on a project that you are passionate about. 7. CREATE A TV CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK EACH SUNDAY NIGHT When you get the new TV guide in the Sunday paper, sit down with your kids and select a few programs for the week. Get a special calendar to list the TV programs everyone in the family wants to watch. Give each member of the family, not just the kids, a set amount of viewing time. If you do your best to stick with the TV schedule listed on the calendar, your kids will adjust in time. 8. SCHEDULE A WEEKLY TRIP TO THE LIBRARY Your kids will be more likely to read before bed if they have a good supply of reading material. Have your kids keep their library books on their nightstands. If the books are within reaching distance of their bed they might be more likely to pick one up. 9. GO FOR A FAMILY WALK AFTER DINNER Don't let your kids plop down in front of the TV after dinner, they may never get up. Instead, take a family walk around the neighborhood. The walk will promote conversation and help everyone digest their dinner. 10. FIND A NEW ACTIVITY EACH WEEK TO REPLACE TV TIME The website www.tvturnoff.org has excellent ideas of activities to take the place of TV time. You and your child could attend local plays, sign up for a class, climb a tree, or start a garden. These are just a few ideas, but I'm sure you and your family could come up with many more. |
