Cutting Back on Children's Television Viewing
Limiting Television Viewing Can Help Families and Children
Television is not recommended for children under the age of two and the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that children should be limited to no more than 1 to 2 hours of quality television programming each day. In fact, Studies reported in Pediatrics, the official journal of the AAP, have suggested that too much TV for young children has been linked to an increase in the risk of ADHD and obesity. With televisions dominating family time, keeping screen time to an appropriate level can be a challenge. Limiting availability, starting new habits, and getting the entire family involved are three ways to achieve the recommended moderation.
Limit Television Availability
Families that have successfully broken the TV habit vary widely in their strategies for limiting availability. Some keep the TV out of the main living area, ban TV before certain chores or homework are complete, or agree on a specific day of the week for TV viewing. The key is to find a structure that all parties can agree to and that is simple enough to administer so that the entire family sticks to the plan. Complicated plans that lead to arguments or constant negotiations are probably too tedious to keep up for any amount of time. Another option is a television time management tool such as the BOB, which automatically shuts off the TV once children have used their allotted time.
Turn Off the TV Week
One thing that many families have found key to their attempts to limit access is a Temporary TV BAN. A week or two with absolutely no screen time for the entire family is no easy task, but well worth the effort. This step allows individuals to see the extent of the TV habit. Families are soon able to recognize how much time they put towards TV. Family members are forced to find other activities. Boredom occurs. But boredom can be overcome. Even the most ardent TV addict will likely find some positives to a week or two break from the box. Families are then able to return to regular TV viewing with a better sense of the possibilities and good times to be had when the glowing box is occasionally off.
Starting New Television Viewing Habits
Habits are never broken, only replaced. Preparation is key. TV limitations won’t work without readily available and fun alternatives. When discussing the new plan families should brainstorm some other fun activities that can take the place of TV time. Some families take a group walk around the neighborhood after dinner or take an hour of quite reading or coloring time. If the kids have any hobbies they enjoy supplies should be available. Opportunities outside the home provide new directions as well. Many communities have evening concerts on the weekend or great parks that remain relatively empty in the evening hours. Families seeking alternatives to TV time might take advantage of the newly available time and get creative.
Getting the Family Involved
It may be tempting to believe TV problems begin and end with the kids. Adults might consider their own viewing habits and whether they too might cut back. Computer screen time can be another weakness. Many families begin a TV adventure with a family council, discussing parental concerns and looking for a group solution. It may be necessary for the parents to take the lead and to be willing to limit themselves as well. Some of the best new habits might be family ones. Board games, charades, or family projects not only limit TV viewing but also build relationships and bonding.
Television habits can be changed, like any other habit, with a bit of flexibility and creativity and will power. Families who spend more time together when reducing television-viewing time often report that they are glad they made the effort.
TV Time
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Partners & Parents
Latest Articles