Children often want to sit in front of the TV all day and night, watching one program after another. However, most parents are aware of the downsides of too much screen time, such as obesity, poor school performance, and unsociable behavior. If you are trying to figure out how to reduce the time your child spends in front of the TV without having to argue with him, try these strategies. Start by developing a time management system of watching TV and providing children with fun alternatives. It may also be helpful to reconsider the time you spend in front of a screen yourself, so that you can lead by example.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Develop a Plan
Step 1. Explain the values behind your family
Children are less likely to push you to the limit if you clearly explain why they should reduce screen time. Let them know that family bonding, physical activity, and positive sources of entertainment are more important in your family. By focusing more on the positives of reducing TV consumption, your children will be more likely to agree with you.
Step 2. Set clear boundaries
After describing your family's views on TV, it is important to develop a clear program. You won't be able to do it if you just say, "Okay guys, we have to watch less TV." Instead, try to be specific about what they can and can't do.
- You might say, "Guys, we're starting a new plan to reduce the time we all spend in front of the TV, including me and your mom. On weekdays you guys have homework and after-school activities, so we think an hour a day is enough. During the weekend you can watch TV for two hours a day."
- You may also want to decide what types of TV and media programs are acceptable in your family. If you're not sure, read some reviews first. Better yet, bond with your children by watching family shows and movies with them.
Step 3. Keep screens out of sight
As the old saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind". If the TV isn't always in front of them, kids will feel less tempted to watch TV. Only place televisions in a few common rooms or have them hidden in some sort of cabinet that opens only when they need to be used.
- There are many ways to "hide" the TV. There are systems that make it slide behind a picture or that make it come out of a compartment in the bookcase or in special TV cabinets.
- In the case of other screens, it can be useful to store them in a cabinet when not in use, so that they are not always in sight.
Step 4. Create a ticket system
To help your kids spend less time watching TV, you can develop a ticket system that clearly defines the amount of time they have each day. For example, each ticket (worth 30 minutes) could end up in a jar marked with each child's name. Two tickets per day may be allowed on weekdays and four on weekends.
You can also use tickets to reward their behavior. For example, a child might earn an extra ticket to spend that week if he helps you fix your groceries, but he might lose one if he gets a bad grade or has a fight with a sibling
Step 5. Make the rules consistent across all screens
Televisions are not the only screens children watch: they can access television programs, films and games even on tablets, computers and smartphones. Be consistent by extending the rules to all screens; this means limiting how often your children can use these devices.
- Make sure your kids understand that these guidelines also apply to other devices, such as tablets and smartphones.
- Some children may use certain screens for homework or other educational activities. If you approve of this use, set parental controls to block access to other sites during these times, for example with the Screen Time application, which allows you to schedule how much time your children can spend on phones and tablets.
Method 2 of 3: Fun Alternatives
Step 1. Engage in fun activities
When the whole family is having fun outside the home, children don't miss the TV. Plan exciting outdoor adventures in your area, such as a treasure hunt in the park, a festival or a visit to a museum.
Step 2. Encourage creativity
Put artistic material at the disposal of your children in a reserved place in the house and let them have free access to create handicrafts, paint, color or write stories. Every now and then sit down together and indulge in creative activities that involve the whole family. This way children will see these activities as fun and not a sad substitute for television.
Step 3. Don't forget physical activity
You know how important regular exercise is for health and well-being - counteract their TV addiction by getting your kids off the couch and pushing them to move. Play Frisbee in the garden, put on your trainers and walk to a public park. It could also be fun to organize an "adventure park" for children at the weekend.
- Encouraging your kids to play sports at school or in the community is also a great way to keep them active. The fact that they are active also reduces the amount of time they would spend in front of the TV.
- Start a fun family tradition, like having a picnic, hike, or other outdoor adventure every two to three weeks.
- During the winter, encourage them to go out and sledding, ice skating, or have a snowball fight.
Step 4. Read
Reading can be as fun and challenging as watching a TV show or movie. Suggest to your children stories that help them escape from everyday stress to imaginary worlds. Once a week, pack everyone in the car and go to the neighborhood library.
- Make reading even more interesting by telling your kids about books you loved as a kid. Try looking for them in the library or online.
- Check out the neighborhood library. Many libraries organize fun activities and events, such as games and group readings. Entice them even more by promising them a treat afterwards (like an ice cream or a trip to their favorite park).
Step 5. Try the board games
Time spent with parents and siblings is always special and fun - your kids will soon learn this when they start watching less TV. Another way to incentivize them to watch less TV is to schedule a family game night. Vote for your favorite board game and play it.
Make sure you choose games that are suitable for all of your children
Method 3 of 3: Set a Good Example
Step 1. Reduce the time you spend in front of a screen yourself
Pushing your kids to develop healthy habits starts with you: Reduce the amount of time you and your partner spend watching TV so your kids won't think it's unfair when you ask them to.
- You and your partner may think about it and decide what is the appropriate amount of time for the whole family to spend in front of the TV.
- "Watch time" applies to all devices, including phones, tablets, and computers. Make sure you cut down on your personal use so that it sets an example for your children to develop healthy habits.
Step 2. Remove the TV from your bedroom
It will appear that you are cheating, if you yourself continually have access to a TV. If you really want to make things fair and fair, remove the TV from all bedrooms, including yours. Screens (including tablets and laptops) should only be available in common areas, such as the kitchen and living room.
Step 3. Turn off the screen when you are not looking at it
For many families, TV is like a soundtrack to their life. If the TV is practically always on in your home, start turning it off once the program you were watching is over.
- Try to be more intentional about using the TV. Think about which programs you like best, just watch those and turn off the device when finished.
- The same goes for tablets and smartphones - turn off these devices when you are spending time with your family or are deliberately avoiding using them.
Step 4. Do some interesting hobbies on your own
The ultimate goal, for most parents, is to encourage their children to engage in more positive activities, such as hobbies or sports. Set a great example by following your own guidelines! If the expectation is that every child will engage in some kind of activity, parents should do the same.
