Encouraging Good TV Habits

1. Watch TV with your child. Don’t use it as a babysitter.
2. Talk about the program with your child. Ask questions. Discuss the characters, the setting. If you have an atlas handy, look up the location of the program (i.e. Venezuela – it is in South America)
3. Teach your child the difference between make-believe and reality.
4. Do not put a TV in a chvbedroom.
5. Look at your TV habits. Children will copy you.
6. Set a time limit for TV/video/computer (screen time).
7. Encourage your child to watch a variety of programs, hopefully chosen by you.
8. Talk to the parents of your child’s friends. Let them know your rules and support one another.
9. Don’t let your child watch programs if you feel uncomfortable even if your child’s friends watch them. Explain your reasons.
10. Encourage your child to be physically active.

How to Discuss TV Programs

1. How did the program make them feel?
2. Did anything frighten or disturb them?
3. How do the people look on TV? Are they the same or different from people we know? How?
4. Do TV children behave like they should?
5. How do the ads make you feel?
6. What is the ad trying to sell you?
7. What are some of the tricks to try and sell you this product?

Scenario:
Your ten year old loves videogames. He spends all his allowance on them. You are worried these games are taking over his life. What should you do?