MY CHILD WATCHES TOO MUCH TELEVISION

1. Set expectations for watchingTV (e.g., only 1 hour of TV a day, homework needs to be completed before TV is watched, daily chores need to be completed before TV is watched, etc.) These expectations should be consistent and followed by everyone in the home.
2. Help your child prioritize their favorite TV programs in order that they can watch one or two favorite programs each day.
3. Encourage your child’s interest in activities other than watching TV (e.g., hobbies, extra-curricular activities at school, playing with friends, etc.)
4. Have your child earn time to watch TV (e.g., after they have completed homework and performed chores, then they may watch TV).
5. Do not accidentally reinforce your child for watching TV by serving snacks, meals, etc., in front of the TV.
6. Do not watch too much TV yourself. View only the amount you expect your child to watch each day. You lead by your example.
7. Allow natural consequences to occur as a result of your child’s watching too much TV (e.g., poor grades onhomework, not receiving an allowance because their chores were not done).
8. If your child is going to watch TV, encourage them to watch educational shows by setting the channel toan education station or renting an educational video tape.
9. List the TV programs your child is allowed to watch and post it by the TV for baby sitters, relatives, etc., when you may not be at home.
10. Turn the TV off after your child has watched their programs.
11. Set aside time each evening when the TV will be turned off for the family to read, talk, etc.
12. Do not provide the TV as a baby sitter for your child. Provide them with games, Play Dough, coloring books, etc., for their entertainment.

TIP: Consider turning off the TV for several hours each day or for an entire day as a family effort.