In recent years, the debate over how much time a child should spend playing video games and watching TV has come up again and again. With so many electronics available, it's difficult to limit your child's viewing and playing, and you may wonder, what's the harm in allowing my child to play video games? And how much is "too much"?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than one to two hours a day can have a negative effect on your child. Some of the dangers include childhood obesity, problems sleeping, lowered academic success, and less time for play.
So how can you limit the amount of time your child spends in front of a TV screen? The first step is to simply see how much time your child is involved in these activities. From that information, you can learn ways to reduce it.
Here are some strategies for reducing the amount of TV your child watches:
For these tips, and more, please visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/children-and-tv/MY00522
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than one to two hours a day can have a negative effect on your child. Some of the dangers include childhood obesity, problems sleeping, lowered academic success, and less time for play.
So how can you limit the amount of time your child spends in front of a TV screen? The first step is to simply see how much time your child is involved in these activities. From that information, you can learn ways to reduce it.
Here are some strategies for reducing the amount of TV your child watches:
- Many of us play a TV when we're home, often as background noise. Adults are able to tune it out, but children are curious, and it may catch their eye. Turning off the TV unless you are watching the show can help this.
- It is very important to keep TVs our of children's bedrooms. Children with TVs in their bedroom watch more TV than children without.
- Be sure to talk to the other caregivers in your child's life. Is your child spending watching TV for two hours after school at his daycare? This is information you'll want to know.
- Suggesting other activities can be helpful. Children may turn to TV because they know it's entertaining, and it's always there. Helping your child choose another activity can help them find entertainment away from the TV.
- It may be difficult, but limiting the amount of time you watch TV can set a good example.
- Have a "media free night." Turn off computers, video games, and the TV. Put away your cell phones, and have a family night. You can play board games or go on a bike ride or walk.
- Make viewing "an event." Plan to watch a show as you would plan to go see a movie at the theater. Turn the TV on for that show, and turn it off after it's done.
For these tips, and more, please visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/children-and-tv/MY00522
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