by Heather Moores

Created on: March 14, 2011

For many parents, the television is the ultimate "babysitter". We often park the kids in front of the TV so we can actually get something done. Housework is piling up, dinner needs to be prepared, etc. It can be hard to accomplish anything with children underfoot.

If this sounds like a familiar scene, it is time to do something about it. It is very easy to fall into this routine. Children love television and no one has ever heard a child complain about too much TV time. What we do not realize is that our kids end up watching way too much television instead of pursuing other activities. 

First, you may need to put your own daily routine in check. If you are a stay-at-home parent, try your best to get your housework done while your kids are at school. You need to be available when they get home. If you are not, they will go straight to the television and you have accomplished nothing.

You need to realize that this will not be an easy endeavor. If your kids are already spending large amounts of time on the couch with remote in hand, you may be in for a tough time. How are you supposed to pry them away? The best plan is to start small. Try to remember that your kids will fight you with everything they've got if you remove TV privileges all at once, this will never work and you will be met with much resentment. Also, get your spouse involved. If you are tackling this alone, your chances of success will drop dramatically. You need support here. 

Instead of the whole family sitting in front of the TV at night, try to come up with some alternatives. Declare one night a week Family Game Night. By some age-appropriate games, some snacks, and turn on music that your kids enjoy (even if you hate it). Everybody might grumble at first but that will change once you all get into the game. Speaking of games, is is football season? Go check out the high school football team in action.

There are plenty of activities that families can do together, You can go out to dinner, visit a family fun center, or you can even sign everybody up for martial arts lessons. You can enroll the kids at your local Boys and Girls Club or the YMCA. Instead of hanging around the house on the weekends, schedule some family outings. If you live near the beach, go every Saturday. If you are mere minutes away from a large city, go check out some family-friendly events.

If you are on a tight budget, some of these options may not be feasible. There are still plenty of things you can do to get your kids away from the TV. Assign each child specific after school chores and offer a reward. If you need to run errands, bring the kids along. Instead of shooing them out of your way while you make dinner, have them help out. They can learn some kitchen skills and you may spend less time cooking. Afterward, while you are cleaning up, have your kids hang out at the dining room table and finish their homework. Afterward, take a walk around the block together.

Remember, allow your kids some TV time each day. Have a Family Movie Night or let them watch TV an hour every night before bed. If they have done their chores and finished their homework, a reward is in order. If your kids absolutely love Saturday morning cartoons, then indulge them. If there is a specific movie or program they have been looking forward to, do not schedule something else during that time.

Remember that initially you will be met with resistance. This is only natural if your kids have gotten into the habit of watching TV several hours a day. Start out small and don't overwhelm everybody. Once you are all having a great time as a family, your kids might not even miss TV that much.

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