How to Keep Your Kids From Being Hooked to the Media World

Today most kids usually spend their free time on the internet, playing video games, watching Television, on the cell phone, and listening to music. Here are some alternative things to do to prevent them from being hooked and staying hooked, in order to have balance in their lives.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. ESTABLISH LIMITS WITH TV AND INTERNET
   
   Parents should take an active role in kids’ lives. They should spend time watching TV and movies with their children. This would help them to be aware of what movies they are watching and what music they are listening to, what TV programs is their favorites and why it is. You should try to understand their views.
   
   Parents should also set limits such as No TV and Internet are allowed until homework and chores are done. One hour per day for television shows approved by parents.

2. MAKE READING BOOKS A PRIORITY
   
   Encourage kids to read books. Take them to the library. You can be an example by reading a certain number of books a week or a month. You can also have an evening of reading as you do movie night. Provide snacks and juices. Have each family member choose an interesting book and bring his/her book to read, but be together in the same room. Start out reading 30 minutes and then increase overtime. Then at the end of time, explain what each has read. Provide an incentive for participating in this activity.

3. DIVERSITY OF INTERESTS
   
   Encourage your children to pursue other interest and hobbies such as specific sports, dance, coin/stamp collecting, collecting baseball cards, collecting other items, play musical instrument, join a choir, singing lessons, helping in the kitchen, painting and any other hobbies. When kids develop a hobby or sport that they really enjoy, they would possibly spend more time with that than the world of tv, internet and cell phone.

4. PLAN THRILLING ACTIVITIES
   
   Plan family outings like hikes, fishing, camping, trips to zoos museums, library, picnics and the pet store. You can also talk to other moms for ideas on other activities to do with your children or check online or events in your local newspaper.