Get Your Kids to Stop Watching TV

Most of the time, we as parents say we don't like TV watching, but it is a great baby-sitter while we are cooking dinner or busy cleaning the house. There are actually several ways to get kids away from the TV and just as interested in something that isn't mind-numbing. Spark some creativity in your kids, or take the time to interact with them, if you are out of time, make them their own area that is for self entertainment. Instead of sitting a child in front of a TV, there are many ways to get them to entertain themselves and stay busy.

Get Your Kids Curious in Something Other Than The TV

When kids get to a certain age, they will want to do what you are doing if you look interested. Sit down with a puzzle at the kitchen table or on the floor by the TV and work on it, before you know it they will want to help you find pieces. Draw or lay out big sheets of paper on the kitchen floor with paint, crayons and markers, your kids will wonder what it's for and want to join in. Go to the store and pick up glue, fabric, wood and lay it all out in a box or bucket with scissors and paper, when your kids get curious let them know that they can use some of it if they want to. This tends to work with some kids, if you say you want them to do it, or you bought it for them, they won't act interested, but if they don't know it's for them, they will get curious.

Put Your Work Down and Play With Your Kids

If you have too much to do, there has to be a time that you call it a day, and cut your losses, each day. A good way to get your kids away from the TV is to exercise with them, dance, sing and jump around the house. Take your kids outside for a race, bike ride or evening walk and talk, they will enjoy this more than the TV. If you are like me and have so much on your plate, you have to do things like cooking or cleaning when you are supposed to be spending time with your kids, then have fun cooking with them or have a cleaning party. The TV will defiantly stay off if you are taking time out to spend with them.

Make Your Kids a Special Area

Personalize an area of the home for your kids. Let your kids know that you are making them a special space in the living room or den for them to have fun. You will need their favorite items, books that they will like and music that they enjoy, to remind them that there is life beyond TV, that they are interested in. Get a chair or bean bag and some shelves, decorate the area with things they like. Let them know that you put it all together have things to do other than watch TV. Your kids will feel special and having the area in a common part of the house will allow him or her to still feel connected to the family.

Getting your kids to shut off the TV, takes some time and effort depending on how old they are, but the hardest part is the responsibility of the parents. If you spend time teaching and interacting with your children, during the times they are usually in front of the TV, they will usually forget all about their favorite show. Utilize the tips in this article and customize them to your child's personality, and you will see a difference in their daily attitudes as well.