AVOID USING TV AS A BABYSITTER: Think of how careful
you are about choosing a baby-sitter and day care. Try
to be just as careful about what your children watch on
TV every day.
KNOW WHAT YOUR KIDS ARE WATCHING: It is important to
be aware of program content as well as the content of
the daily news. The younger the child, the more
impressionable he or she is, and the less experienced
in evaluating content against the values of family and
community. Additionally, emotional images may intrude
upon and interrupt sleep.
KEEP TV OUT OF KIDS' BEDROOMS: It is difficult to monitor
what your children are watching when they are watching
TV in their own room. Having a TV in a child’s room
discourages participation in family activities and encourages
them to watch TV when they could be studying, reading,
or sleeping.
SET SOME GUIDLINES ABOUT WHEN AND WHAT CHILDREN WATCH:
This can be done in conversation with your children, but
the final call belongs to the adults. The clearer the
rules (i.e., no TV before school, or until homework is
completed, etc.), the better. Setting new limits may be
upsetting to your children at first, but consistency is
very important.
PRACTICE "APPOINTMENT" TV. DECIDE IN ADVANCE WHAT'S
GOOD AND WATCH IT AS A FAMILY: Go through the TV guide
in the paper on Sunday and make family decisions on shows
to watch for the week. Discuss reasons for the decisions
with your children. If in doubt, get more information.
In choosing TV shows or videos, make use of independent
evaluations, like KidScore®,
TV and movie guides, articles in magazines, etc. Discuss
issues and ideas with other adults, friends, and parents
of your children’s playmates.
TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT WHAT HE OR SHE IS WATCHING:
Discuss what you are watching and ask specific questions.
Ask what they see, as it may be very different from what
you see. Ask them to tell you what things mean to them.
Ask them why they watch specific shows, what characters
they like and don’t like. Discuss the commercials
and their perception of toys, cereals, etc. and the people
who sell them.
TURN TV OFF DURING MEALS: Catch up with one another.
Focus on each other. Share stories and activities from
each family member’s day.
USE THE VCR TO YOUR ADVANTAGE: Tape a good show and
schedule a special family viewing – complete with
popcorn. If a show is on at an inconvenient time such
as meal time, homework time, or family time, tape it to
watch later.
PUT THE FAMILY ON A TV DIET: Schedule some fun alternative
activities. When you do watch television, watch it with
your children.
CREATE A TV COUPON SYSTEM: Kids get coupons and turn
them in when they watch a program. Unused coupons can
be “cashed in” for a special family activity.
DON'T MAKE TV THE FOCAL POINT OF THE ROOM: Make your
children the focus of your attention, not the TV. Research
shows that people watch less TV if it is not in the most
prominent location in the room.
PATRONIZE GOOD PROGRAMS AND DEMAND MORE OF THEM: Express
your opinions to TV and radio stations, network executives,
and advertisers. Tell them not only what you do not like,
but also what you like. Addresses for networks and local
stations are in your TV guide. Also, remember that your
money has a voice of its own.
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