How to avoid your child to be a TV addict

[Father Blogger]

Television is one of the most simple and common form of entertainment for children and even adults. Not to mention the daily news and other valuable information that we can get from watching. However, just like any other attractive things, it can also be addictive especially to younger children. Therefore, it is our duty as parents to control them. While it seems so easy to do because you can always turn it off, there are still some important points to think about to avoid it to become an everyday issue inside your house. Here are some of them.

Make a deal

There is no doubt that there are still wonderful shows around that are suited for our young children. However, having a proper schedule especially during school days is a must. To avoid your child from complaining, make the deal reasonable for both of you. Lessons first, then watch television. Limit the time and implement rules strictly. In this way, you are also teaching your child how to set priorities.

Control the remote

You are the parent and therefore you must know what your child is watching. There are shows that seem to be fit for children but actually, they are not. Not all cartoon shows are appropriate for children. Be sure that the shows he is watching are not only entertaining, but also educational. It is also advisable not to have a separate television inside his room unless he is old enough to discipline himself. In this way, you are also showing him who is the master of the house.

Do not watch while eating

Eating time can also be bonding time. This is the rare occasion that all members of the family are complete, so do not spoil it. Instead of watching television, share some stories about school and other exciting activities. Watching television will also keep your child from enjoying his food. It is better if you eat earlier than your favorite show to avoid temptation. In this way, you are also maximizing your time as a happy family.

Have other options

There are a lot of other sources of entertainment other than watching television such as children books, computers and educational toys. Teach your child how to balance them by making them equally attractive. Have a family day once a week even just walking on a park is also a good option. Think of ways on how your child will divert his focus from television. In this way, you are also telling your child that it is good to have choices.

Do not be an addict too

You can never teach your children not to do things that you yourself are doing. He must see it from you so that you can justify your instructions. Do not show to your child that you are also excited to see your favorite show. If you want to watch late night shows, let him sleep first and do not let him know that you are doing it. In this way, you are also showing him that you are a role model.

Invention are useful only if you use it right.

Article Source: Happy Family Matters

[budnkota]

or people could just turn it off completely - pull the plug on the cable. We have access to movies, but no form of broadcast TV at all for well over a year. I'm glad I did it

[evilbrent]

once my wife went away for a few days so I pulled the plug and told the kids "It's broken. Maybe Mum will fix it when she gets back."

In five days we were never bored once.

Mum came home, plugged it in, burst into tears and hated me for upstaging her, and we've never looked back. Kids now watching the movie Incredibles for the second time in 12 hours.

[WhoCares]

The best way to help your child not become a TV addict is to show them there are more interesting things to do than watching TV.

[HappyMomma]

I'm lucky. My daughter doesn't care to watch much TV... she's usually to busy doing crafts or playing makebelieve with her toys.

[cmp]

There are actually devices that you can attach to your tv to restrict time usage. We have one for the video games. They can earn time for their card and when the time is up, the tv turns off.

[AmyBelle]

Originally Posted by WhoCares

The best way to help your child not become a TV addict is to show them there are more interesting things to do than watching TV.

Exactly.

Because face it, what kind of 3yr old wants to watch t.v when mummy is doing something super-awesomely fun?