Limit Your Kids' TV Time: Set Parameters and Make Trade-Offs

As parents, we know that excessive-TV watching isn't good for our kids. But how do you drag a child away from the boob tube without starting a third World War? This article will give you some tips and tricks for reducing the amount of television that your children are exposed to.

To begin with, decide how much time your children should be allowed to watch TV. This can be on a daily or a weekly basis. You will also need to decide if certain things will be outside that realm, such as the Olympics, or the Super Bowl. Write down how many hours you think your kids should be able to watch television, be it an hour a day or 10 hours a week.

Now, to enforce those rules!

Make tickets. Kids get so many half hour tickets per week. They can use them when they please, all in one day or spread out throughout the week. You collect these tickets and when they run out, no more television. This is a good way to limit television because the kids feel in control. Rather than you saying, "No, you've watched enough today" they decide when they want to use up their hours.

Hour for hour. Decide what you'd rather your children were doing and make it count for TV time. For example, an hour outside means they get an hour of television. This means that they will never be able to watch TV more than they do something else!

Make them earn it. You can also require that certain things get done around the house in order for the children to "earn" their TV time. You might start off by giving them each a free half hour, but if they want more, they have to do some chores. Have a chart set up, with each chore listed and the amount it's worth. For example, setting the table might be good for 10 minutes, while scrubbing the tub is definitely a 30 minute earner. Mowing the lawn might count for a couple of hours, you decide. This is a great way to get your home in ship shape, and, while the kids are busy doing chores, they aren't watching TV!

Set TV hours. You might decide on a schedule with your children. Set a very specific schedule, such as 7 pm - 9 pm. The television may be turned on between those hours by anyone, but outside of that time frame, it stays off. It can take some getting used to, but eventually, everyone will just find something better to do.

Remember that you need to participate in these as well. You can't expect the kids not to watch television if you have it on while folding laundry, or outside of TV hours. Following your own rules will set a good example and your kids will be more likely to respect the decisions that you make regarding television if you are not exempt.