Here's some ideas for kicking your family's bad TV habits.
Make a plan. Don't use the TV as a boredom buster. If your children want to watch a favorite show, let them watch that show, then turn off the TV. If your kids are bored, encourage them to do something creative or active. Make a list activities or fill a box with games and supplies your kids can use when they are looking for something to do. Sometimes TV is just the first thing you can think of and so that's what you do.
Here's a list of TV free options:
- Puzzles
- Books
- Card games
- Board games
- Art projects
- Outside games
- Gardening
- Legos, building blocks and erector sets
- Knitting or needlework
- Sewing
- Walking the dog or teaching pets tricks
- Scrapbooking
- Collecting
Set a time limit. Don't let the time creep away. Let your kids know how long they can watch TV and stick to it. If it help you, set a timer.
Make it educational. Whether your kids are just learning basic reading and math, or delving into world history, there are a lot of great shows on TV that can enrich their learning experience. Think of a topic that interests your child, then search the internet for a list of educational shows that will help them learn more.
Here's a list of some of our family's favorite educational shows:
For little kids:
- Word World
- Team Umizoomi
- Octonauts
- Little Einsteins
- The Wild Kratts
- Between the Lions
For big kids:
- Mythbusters
- Pawn Stars
- American Ride
- History Detectives
TV is a perk, not a right. Make sure your kids' other obligations (homework, instrument practice and chores) are done before the TV gets turned on. You can also use additional TV time as a reward for extra work or good behavior.
For more tips on taming your TV time, click here.
