How to Limit TV Time for Kids

Agreeing that children should watch less television is easy to do but enforcing it is another matter. If you have started early, it is simpler to implement TV limits but it will be more difficult if your children have already adopted favorite shows and characters. It is decidedly harder to unplug a couch potato. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours of television programming, there are often strict limits to enforce.

Instructions

1. Provide a weekly television "allowance." Television should be framed as a privilege or a treat, not a right. Children earn TV watching privileges by completing their chores and homework. Television privileges can also be withheld due to bad behavior, poor grades or disrespect.

2. Assign allowance amounts based on age and maturity. Children under 2 years of age should not watch TV. Older children should be kept under the 2 hour daily limit.

3. Plan the family's television viewing off a programming guide such as "TV Guide" rather than by channel surfing. At the beginning of the week, review the guide together and determine what shows the family wants to watch or record for a later date. Shows can be taped and watched later during the weekend or when the family can watch together.

4. Reward educational programming choices by allowing them to double their allowance on an educational program over a non-educational show. They should still not exceed the 2 hour limit.

5. Track their TV allowance by using monitoring tools connected to your TV or even just a kitchen timer.

6. Promote outdoor activities, sports and hobbies by having plenty of supplies and opportunities around. Outfit your backyard with open spaces, a few sporting items and plenty of time to indulge in sports.

7. Encourage your child to spend time with friends or siblings instead. Have a selection of board games, simple activities and snacks on hand for impromptu visitors.

8. Turn off the TV during lunch, dinner or during homework. Use the radio for background noise rather than the television.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider setting up the TV behind closed doors. By keeping the television on a rolling cart in the closet or behind shuttered doors, you and your family are less likely to indulge in unscheduled viewing time. It also lets your children know that the TV is not the central object of interest in your living space.

• Don't put a television in your child's room.

• Remember that the 2 hour daily limit is suggested for both television and computer screen time together. If your child spends a lot of time on the computer, reduce the television time even more.