by L.S. Watts

Created on: February 26, 2009

These days many children are too reliant upon television. With some children it isn't entirely their fault. Much of the responsibility falls upon the parents and other caregivers. There are ways you can prevent the addiction before it occurs.

DON'T USE THE TELEVISION AS A BABYSITTER

This is a huge contributing factor to children becoming addicted to television. Adults tend to use the television as an easy means of babysitting. So the first step is to stop this practice. Sure it makes it easy for you to get the laundry done or the dishes washed, but you are contributing to a bigger problem down the road.

DON'T ALLOW A TELEVISION IN THEIR ROOMS

This sounds harsh doesn't it? However, many children today have a television and DVD player in their rooms. This can be distracting for children. Some may sit for hours in their room like zombies, ignoring their chores, homework, and simply being a kid. This also isn't a good way to monitor what your child is watching either.

SCHEDULE TELEVISION TIME

Scheduling a limited amount of time for a child to watch television is a good step in preventing the addiction. Discuss what shows or movies your child likes then decide what would be an appropriate amount of time for them to watch television. It is important for your to review your child's choices first to make sure it something you are fine with them watching.

DON'T LET THEM FALL ASLEEP WITH THE TELEVISION ON

Allowing your child to fall asleep with the television on is a bad habit to get into. I had to learn this lesson the hard way. One of my children became dependent upon having the television on as he fell asleep. What we realized was that he typically stayed up longer and didn't get a restful night's sleep. He woke up the next morning exhausted and cranky. It took what seems like forever to break him of this habit. Once I did, he slept better and woke up the next morning feeling refreshed.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Leading by example is the best way to teach you kids not to become dependent upon the television. If you have the television on most of the time, more than likely you're addicted too. I have a friend that doesn't really watch television much but he must have it on all the time. This is still an addiction. How are the children supposed to learn to limit their television time if their own parent or caregiver does not do the same?

PICK UP A BOOK

Encourage your child to read a book instead of being glued to the tube. This will ignite the imagination and improve reading skill which

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