TV Turn Off Week How To Television Proof Your Home

Is your child’s TV viewing habits replacing other activities you would rather have them do like playing with their friends, being physically active, reading, doing homework or interacting as a family?

In a recent post, I suggested you examine your TV viewing habits and consider participating in TV-Turnoff Week April 24 to 30. The seven day event founded in 1994, by the TV-Turn Off Network encourages families to experience life without television.

The grassroots organization is dedicated to the belief that we all have the power to determine the role television plays in our lives. Rather than waiting for better TV to be developed, we can turn it off and reclaim time for our families, our friends and ourselves.

Life with less TV – it sounds good but how do I do it? The extremist route would be to hide the remote control, cancel the cable or satellite subscription, or put the TV(s) out on the curb with a Free To A Good TV Viewing Home’ sign. But there are more subtle ways to limit the viewing of that little black box.

First, minimize the influence of TV by setting a good example. You can’t expect your child to have self-discipline when it comes to TV viewing, if you don’t. Spend more time reading, exercising, talking and playing with your child.

Set limits on the amount of time spent watching TV. Consider making very specific rules about when your kids can and cannot watch television. Guidelines recommend that parents limit their children’s viewing to one to two hours per day. What about making it a rule that your kids must finish homework and chores before watching television? If your child’s favourite show is on before the work can be done, videotape it.

Some would say the best rule is no TV during the week and limited exposure on the weekends. This ensures that kids are not rushing through their homework to watch their favourite show. It also frees up more time for family interaction during busy weekdays. Have your kids help you cook or set the table instead of automatically parking them in front of the tube while you prepare dinner.

Teach your children how to find good programs. Use a TV guide instead of channel surfing. Plan a television viewing schedule and teach them to turn off the TV set at the end of their show. When your shows aren’t on keep the TV off. Chances are good if the TV remains on, your child will become interested in the next show and will find it difficult to stop watching.

Keep the TV off during meal time. Eating in front of the TV can form a negative habit and a dependence on television. Mealtime should be family time. Make conversation a priority. Interacting more will help your children improve their conversational skills.

Other ideas include:

*Read to and with your child. Show your kids that you enjoy reading. Let them see you reading rather than watching TV to relax.

*Don’t use TV as a reward or punishment. Doing so gives TV too much importance.

*Encourage active recreation. Turn off the TV and take a walk or do a project with your child.

*Keep television out of your kid’s bedroom. By allowing a TV in your child’s room you are unable to monitor the amount of TV and the kinds of shows they watch.

*Watch television with your kids and initiate a discussion about what you just watched. For instance, talk about the consequences of violence and other ways the conflict could have been resolved. You may also want to start a dialogue re: stereotyping and prejudice in TV programs. Reality vs. make-believe and the marketing tactics used by advertisers may also be good topics of conversation. Talk to your child about the news and share your own beliefs and values.

*Consider installing and using a V-chip. A V’ (for violence) chip allows you to block programs and movies that you don’t want your child to see. Internal V-chips are now standard on new TVs but set-top boxes are still available for older models.

Finally, consider sitting down with your child and make a list of the things you all love to do besides watching TV. Post it on the fridge as a reminder to everyone that there is life beyond TV.

Now create your own experiences instead of living vicariously through the lives of TV stars. Wouldn’t you agree that the best memories come from experiencing life first hand?

Daylight Savings Time has recently kicked in. Why not use that extra of sunlight for some fun family activities outdoors? Play in the park, walk the dog or play catch with the kids.

This week (April 24-30th) is TV-Turnoff Week, will your TV be on?