How to Set Television Guidelines With Children
with
Kathy Moore
Knowing how much TV is too much is a good place to start when setting guidelines with your children. Check out these ideas on creating a healthy balance for television viewing in your home.
Related Articles
Kids and TV - Watching Television with Twins or Multiples - TV for BabiesChildren Watching Television - How to Screen Television for Children Video - About.comShould babies and toddlers watch television?Health Alert - Baby TVChildren and Television - Make TV Watching Interactive With Kids Video - About.com
Transcript: How to Set Television Guidelines With Children
Hi, I'm Kathy Moore for about dot com. Most parents know that too much TV, especially for young children, isn’t good. But how much is too much? And is it really all bad? This program offers some tips and guidelines for parents related to children and TV watching.Television and Toddlers
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that kids under the age of two watch no television. Children older than two should watch no more than one or two hours per day. Any shows kids watch should be quality programs that contain appropriate subject matter geared toward the age of the child.Limit Television Access
The first place to start with limiting TV time is to make sure the TV is in an open location so you can monitor what they are watching and when. This means no TVs in the children's bedroom. Do not leave the TV turned on in a room where the children are playing, doing homework or eating.Monitor Television Shows
When the kids do sit down to watch TV, as a parent you need to know what they are watching and watch with them, if possible.Discuss Television Programming
After the show is over, talk about the program with your child. This is a great way to develop your child's ability to tell stories, enhance recall ability and develop conversation skills. While you talk, you can also explain that cartoon characters can do things people cannot, as well as the difference between regular programming and TV commercials.Keep Active During Television Watching
In addition to monitoring TV viewing, it is critical that children have a variety of non-TV activities to stimulate their minds and keep their bodies moving. Encourage your child to sing, dance and play and if at all possible spend more time playing outside than in front of the TV.Television is an inevitable part of most children's lives. But creating a healthy balance is possible with a few sound, reasonable habits. Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at About.com.