Children generally want to sit in front of the television to watch programs all day and night. However, most parents know the downsides of spending too much screen time (such as obesity, poor grades, and antisocial behavior). You can use the strategies mentioned below if you are trying to figure out how to reduce the amount of time your child watches television, but without fighting with him. You will first need to develop a system to monitor television time and provide it with other fun options. This could also help you cut back on your own TV schedule and set an example for healthy habits.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Develop a Plan
Step 1. Explain your family values
Your child will be less likely to challenge the limits you set if you thoroughly explain your reasons for taking this action. Point out that family ties, physical activity, and positive sources of entertainment are much more valued in the family. If you reduce your focus on the negatives of this measure, and focus more on the positives, your child will be more likely to stick with it.
Step 2. Set clear boundaries
After you've described your family's point of view on television time, it will be important to develop a clear plan. You won't be able to implement your plan if you just say something like "Okay kids, everyone will have to watch less TV." Instead, tell them specifically what they can and cannot do.
- You could say to them, “Kids, we're going to start a new plan to reduce the amount of time everyone watches TV, including me and your mother. On the weekdays, they will be busy with their homework and extracurricular activities, so we think an hour of television will be appropriate. They will have two hours a day on weekends”.
- They may also need to review the types of programs and materials that are acceptable to your home. If you are not sure, you will have to read reviews beforehand. Even better, you build a family bond by watching family-friendly shows and movies together.
Step 3. Keep screens out of their sight
As the saying goes, "Eyes that do not see, heart that does not feel." If they don't have television in front of them all the time, they won't be tempted to watch it. You should only place them in a few common rooms or store them in cabinets until you are ready to use them.
- There are many interesting ways to "hide" television. They can get sliding systems that you can place behind works of art or that are extracted from slots in shelves or entertainment centers.
- For other displays, it may be helpful to keep them in a cabinet when they are not being used, thus preventing them from being visible at all times.
Step 4. Create a ticket system
You can adapt your children to watching less television by developing a ticketing system that clearly defines the amount of time they can watch television each day. For example, you could place each bill (worth 30 minutes of television) in a jar with each child's name. You could give them 2 tickets per day on weekdays, and 4 on weekends.
You can even use them as a way to control their behavior. For example, maybe only one child will help you carry your car purchases home, so you can give them an extra ticket for that week. However, if the child gets into trouble at school or fights with his brother, he could lose a ticket
Step 5. Apply the same rules for all devices with a display
Television is not the only screen that children watch. Perhaps your child can also watch TV shows, movies, and games on his tablet, laptop, and smartphone. Be consistent in applying the rules to all devices with displays, which means you should limit how often children use them.
- Make sure your child understands that these rules also apply to other devices, such as tablets and phones.
- Some children may use other screen devices for homework or other educational activities. If you authorize their use for the time they spend in front of a screen, you must establish a parental control that blocks their access to other pages during that time. One of these options will be applications such as Screen Time, which will allow you to control the time your child spends on phones and tablets.
Method 2 of 3: Provide Other Fun Options
Step 1. Go on fun walks
If the whole family is having fun away from home, children will not miss television. Plan exciting outdoor adventures in the local community, such as a scavenger hunt in the park, a festival, or a tour of a nearby museum.
Step 2. Encourage creativity
Give your children art supplies in a special place in the house. Let them use them freely to create crafts, paint, color, or write witty stories. You could sit down with them every now and then and do creative activities that involve the whole family. In this way, children will find them fun, rather than a boring replacement for television.
Step 3. Recommend physical activities
You know how important constant exercise is to your health and well-being. Prevent them from being inactive by encouraging them to do activities. Play with a frisbee in the yard. Put on your sneakers and walk to a nearby park. It might also be fun to have a “boot camp” with exercises for kids on the weekend.
- If you have your kids play sports at school or in the community, this is also a great way to keep them active. This will also reduce the amount of time they have to watch television.
- Start a fun family habit, such as going on a picnic, hiking, or other outdoor adventure every few weeks.
- On cold weather days, encourage your kids to go out and sled, ice skate, or have a friendly snowball battle.
Step 4. Read books
Reading can be just as fun and realistic as TV shows or movies. Present your children with stories that help them escape everyday stress and immerse themselves in imaginary worlds. Drive to the local library once a week.
- Make reading more interesting by telling your children about the books you enjoyed as a child. Try to find them at the library or on the internet.
- Plan a trip to the local library. Many libraries offer story hours and other fun activities and events. Make things more fun by rewarding your children afterwards (eg, taking them out for ice cream or to their favorite park).
Step 5. Play board games
The time that parents spend with their children is enriching and enjoyable. Your kids will find out shortly as they spend more time away from television. Another way to encourage screen time is to schedule a family game night. Vote on the board game you want to play and enjoy it.
You will have to choose games that are suitable for all your children
Method 3 of 3: Set a Good Example
Step 1. Reduce the amount of time you use screen devices
You will need to lead by example to inspire your children to develop healthy habits. Reduce the amount of time you and your wife watch television, so your children will not consider it unfair that you ask them to follow the rule.
- It may be wise for both parents to talk and choose the right time for the whole family.
- Screen time will span all devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers. You will have to reduce the time you dedicate to all these devices, thus you will give your children the example of healthy habits.
Step 2. Remove the television from the master bedroom
If you have access to the television at all times, this will give the impression that you are cheating. If you really want to be fair, you will have to remove televisions from all bedrooms, including yours. Display devices (including tablets and laptops) should only be available in common areas, such as the kitchen or family room.
Step 3. Turn off the screen when you are not using it
For many families, television is the background music of their daily lives. If it almost never turns off in your house, you should start doing it when its programs end.
- Be more aware of your use of television. Determine which shows you like the most and don't watch others. Hit the shutdown button once they're done.
- You will have to do the same with tablets and smartphones. Turn off these devices when you are spending family time or when you don't want to see something specific.
Step 4. Practice interesting hobbies
The ultimate goal of most parents is to encourage their children to engage in more positive activities, such as hobbies or sports. Be a good example to continue complying with your rules. If you expect all of your children to participate in some type of activity, they should do the same.