How can we limit the amount of
time spent watching TV?
- Make very specific rules about when children can and
cannot watch television. For example, do not allow TV
during meals, homework or when parents are not around.
- AAP guidelines recommend that parents limit their
children’s viewing to one to two hours per day at most.
- An alternative is to limit TV to one hour on school
nights and two to three hours a day on weekends.
- You may want to allow a little extra viewing time for
special educational programs.
- If your child is doing poorly in school limit TV time to
half an hour each day, or eliminate TV entirely, except for
limited time on the weekends.
- Make it a rule that children must finish homework and
chores before watching television. If your child’s favorite
show is on before the work can be done, then record the show
to watch later.
- The best rule is no TV during the week, and
limited weekend TV. This ensures that kids
are not rushing to finish their homework so they can watch a
favorite show. It also frees up more time for family
interaction during the busy weekdays. For example, instead
of parking the kids in front of the TV while you fix dinner,
have them help you get ready for dinner. Even young children
can slice a cucumber with a dull knife or put silverware on
the table.
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