An issue that many parents struggle with is how to manage their child's TV watching habits. Just like many other things, moderation is the key. Television can both stimulate and stifle a child's development. Knowing when and how much television to allow your children to watch is a very important aspect of parenting that many parents overlook.

Some of the negative affects of television include:

Children who consistently spend more than 4 hours per day watching TV are much more likely to be overweight.

Kids who view violent events, such as a kidnapping or murder, are also more likely to believe that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them. Research also indicates that television consistently reinforces gender-role and racial stereotypes.

The first two year of a child's life is a critical time for brain development. TV can get in the way of exploring, learning, and interacting with parents and others, which helps young children develop the skills they need to grow cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.

As mentioned earlier, television can have a positive impact if used in moderation:

Television can be a great educator as well an entertainer. For example, preschoolers can get help learning the alphabet on public television and grade-schoolers can learn about wildlife on nature shows. Parents can also watch the news with their children and use this time to talk about current events and help their children understand the difference between TV and reality.

It's better for parents to control the use of TV and to teach children that it's for occasional entertainment, not for constant escapism. Parents should be observant in their children's activities; playing, exercising, reading, etc. They should also not hesitate in limiting time spend watching TV by children.

Here are some practical ways you can make TV-viewing more productive in your home:

Limit the number of TV-watching hours.

Stock the room in which you have your TV with plenty of other non-screen entertainment (books, kids' magazines, toys, puzzles, board games, etc.) to encourage your child to do something other than watch the tube.

Keep TVs out of your child's bedroom.

Don't allow your child to watch TV while doing homework.

Treat TV as a privilege that your child needs to earn - not a right to which he or she is entitled. Tell your child that TV-viewing is allowed only after chores and homework are completed.

Set a good example by limiting your own television viewing.

Check the TV listings and program reviews ahead of time for programs your family can watch together (i.e., developmentally appropriate and nonviolent programs that reinforce your family's values). Choose shows that foster interest and learning in hobbies and education (reading, science, etc.).

Preview programs before your child watches them.

Watch TV with your child. If you can't sit through the whole program, at least watch the first few minutes to assess the tone and appropriateness, then check in throughout the show.

Talk to your child about what he or she sees on TV and share your own beliefs and values. If something you don't approve of appears on the screen, you can turn off the TV, then use the opportunity to ask your child thought-provoking questions. You can use TV to explain confusing situations and express your feelings about difficult topics (sex, love, drugs, alcohol, smoking, work, behavior, family life). Teach your child to question and learn from what he or she views on TV.

Offer fun alternatives to television. If your child wants to watch TV, but you want him or her to turn off the tube, suggest that you and your child play a board game, start a game of hide and seek, play outside, read, work on crafts or hobbies, or listen and dance to music. The possibilities for fun without the tube are endless. So remember to use television as a treat and use it only in moderation. It will encourage your child to be more involved in other activities and you'll enjoy the extra quality time you have to spend with your child!
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