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Help Me Practice Positive TV Viewing!

Why wait? By the age of two, many children watch TV on a regular basis. Start positive habits early.
Schedule, please! Tuning in when bored or tired promotes passive viewing, and you might find yourself watching longer than you planned. At the beginning of each week, make a schedule of the shows that you and your family wish to see, and only tune in for those specific programs. Also, when scheduling for the week, ask your children about the shows they like. You’ll learn a lot about who each child is as a person.
I don’t want to be alone! Actively watch your children’s shows with them. Even though they’re made for kids, you might enjoy them as well.
If possible, designate a TV room. Allow regular family functions to dominate in other rooms of the house, such as bedrooms, the kitchen and the living and dining rooms.
Separate fact from fiction. Children need to understand that incidents of pain and violence on TV are portrayed by actors, and that these things are much worse when they involve real people. Explain that sometimes TV shows — including the “reality” type — don’t show the whole story.
Find the “off” button. Encourage children to grow emotionally by interacting with other kids, not just by learning about life from television.
Show them the money. Teach children that famous people in commercials are paid to be there, and that the words they say are written out, similar to the words in a play.
Read to your children. It’s never too early!
Variety is the spice of life. Encourage children to watch many types of programming, including action, comedy, fantasy, sports and drama.

By Heidi Johnson, Educational Outreach Coordinator