Striking a consistent balance between activity and watching television can be difficult. While many television programs are aimed at providing school-aged children with educational and informational entertainment, others may not be as beneficial. If your children spend a significant amount of time watching television or seems to be replacing television watching with physical activity, it may be time to limit television watching. By approaching television watching as a privilege instead of a right, you can encourage your children to perform activities that are beneficial to them and also enjoy the occasional television program.
Step 1
Preview television programs before your children are allowed to watch them, recommends Kids Health. Even if a television program is advertised as educational, it may not be right for your children to watch.
Step 2
Limit television watching time to two hours or less per day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ensure this time is not when your children are working on homework, as the television can serve as a distraction at a time when they should be learning.
Step 3
Create a family television viewing schedule based on the programs you have found to be suitable for your children. Post a calendar on your refrigerator using magnets. This calendar should have a listing of all programs that are approved for viewing. If your children have a new program they would like to view, have them submit it for "family viewing" and you can review it to possibly add to the list.
Step 4
Require that your children engage in physical activity before watching television. Create opportunities for your kids to be active--and join in with them when possible, according to the American Heart Association. Examples include a family bicycle ride or walk, playing basketball or exploring a nearby park. When temperatures cool, host a family game night or take your walking indoors to a school or mall.
Step 5
Set a positive example for your children by limiting your own television viewing. This will help to reinforce the message that there are many alternatives to television watching and will help you to spend more time together performing family activities, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Tips and Warnings
- Technological advances have made it possible to block violent or inappropriate programs from children's viewing, according to Kids Health. Known as a violence-chip or V-chip, these chips help to serve as an added layer of protection as you work to limit your children's television viewing.
- Refrain from putting a television in your children's rooms. Children who have a television in their room watch 1.5 hours more television per day than those who do not, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Things You'll Need
- Large calendar
- Magnets
