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How can I get my Child to Stop Watching TV?

Nychole Price
Nychole Price

Children and television go hand in hand. When the television is on, children will watch it, putting aside their toys, and therefore their cognitive development. Educational programs provide children with some intellectual development, but not much in comparison with imaginary play. Children can stop watching TV all day and entertain themselves in other ways.

Children who read or are read to daily tend to do better in school. Besides being educational, reading is also relaxing for both parents and children. It is a great way to spend quality time with family because of the direct interaction. Magazines such as Highlights and National Geographic also entertain children with their games and brightly colored pictures. Books and magazines that capture a child's attention will help him to stop watching TV.

Hiking trails provide fun and exercise.
Hiking trails provide fun and exercise.

Encouraging children to play outside will help them to stop watching TV so much. Physical activity helps prevent obesity and improves a child's gross motor skills. Take the children to the park, fishing or hiking. If that isn't possible, just send them out to the yard.

Gather the children together for a family board game. Children will stop watching TV if they are playing a game with their parents and/or siblings. Board games encourage children to think in a strategic manner, using their problem solving skills.

Taking kids for a walk is a great way to get them away from the TV.
Taking kids for a walk is a great way to get them away from the TV.

Turn off the TV and bring out arts and crafts supplies. Many children would rather not watch TV if they can build creative projects without too many restrictions. If worried about the mess, send the children outside to do art projects, where it can be easily cleaned up. Washable markers and crayons work well for young children who may color on the walls and furniture.

Reading a book can be an entertaining way for a child to spend an hour each day.
Reading a book can be an entertaining way for a child to spend an hour each day.

Spend a day taking the children on a learning adventure. Go for a nature walk in the fall and look for different types of leaves on the ground. Visit the zoo and see the baby animals in the spring. Frequent museums and art galleries in the winter time to see the local art shows. A parent would be surprised to learn of the conversations that can develop when children stop watching TV.

Children should watch less television, and be encouraged to play outdoors.
Children should watch less television, and be encouraged to play outdoors.

Children will mimic their parents. If the parents are sitting on the couch all day, watching TV, so will their children. Parents should occasionally take some time to stop watching TV and join their children outside or in a board game. This demonstrates to them that watching TV isn't required in order to have a good time.

Discussion Comments

anon156525

I have question concerning an autistic child, age 3.

He loves his movies. As so many say, TV is a great babysitter. This shouldn't be so all the time. My son doesn't speak, which is part of his autism.

Communication and understanding are part of what you say as a parent. We just enrolled him in the Autism Network and I am sure they will help.

But is there anyone that has a similar issue to mine and how they pulled through? Thanks for reading.

anon154628

I just put the TV on a rolling kitchen cart and it gets unplugged and rolled into the back room during the week. We'll let them watch movies on the weekend though. But not having it in sight made a huge difference for my kids. Out of sight, out of mind. They started playing more imaginatively and oddly enough, were a lot less whiny.

anon124981

There was no need for such a comment! It's a discussion in which a lot of parents need to talk about as television is a large part of most peoples lives. You are daft to suggest throwing the television in a skip!

anon89640

Are you daft? I can't believe this is up for discussion! You're the parent, you're in charge of your children. Make them do as they are told, and if they don't, physically remove them from the TV. If that doesn't work, physically throw the thing into the nearest skip.

Some people aren't really parents anymore!

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    • Hiking trails provide fun and exercise.
      By: joda
      Hiking trails provide fun and exercise.
    • Taking kids for a walk is a great way to get them away from the TV.
      By: Halfpoint
      Taking kids for a walk is a great way to get them away from the TV.
    • Reading a book can be an entertaining way for a child to spend an hour each day.
      By: atikinka2
      Reading a book can be an entertaining way for a child to spend an hour each day.
    • Children should watch less television, and be encouraged to play outdoors.
      By: HaywireMedia
      Children should watch less television, and be encouraged to play outdoors.
    • Magazines such as "Highlights" entertain children with their games and brightly colored pictures.
      By: Iriana Shiyan
      Magazines such as "Highlights" entertain children with their games and brightly colored pictures.
    • Many children would rather not watch TV if they can do creative projects.
      By: vodolej
      Many children would rather not watch TV if they can do creative projects.
    • Parents should find activities they can do with children away from TV.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Parents should find activities they can do with children away from TV.
    • Large, colorful pictures books might pique a child's interest in reading.
      By: diego cervo
      Large, colorful pictures books might pique a child's interest in reading.
    • A jigsaw puzzle can encourage siblings to work together, while keeping them occupied for a few hours in the day.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      A jigsaw puzzle can encourage siblings to work together, while keeping them occupied for a few hours in the day.
    • Go fishing with your child to show the pleasures of the outdoors.
      By: Evgeniy Drogozhilov
      Go fishing with your child to show the pleasures of the outdoors.
    • Most preschoolers enjoy nature walks where they can spot ducks and other wildlife.
      By: MNStudio
      Most preschoolers enjoy nature walks where they can spot ducks and other wildlife.
    • Board games encourage children to think in a strategic manner, using their problem solving skills.
      By: Ilike
      Board games encourage children to think in a strategic manner, using their problem solving skills.