Fighting Media Influence On Your Kids
August 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under How to get Kids to Eat Great
Christine Wood, M.D.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now urges no television watching for children under two years of age and a maximum of one to two hours a day of good quality TV and video or computer games combined for older children. More TV time means a higher risk of obesity in children.
My recommendations are to work hard to limit television under two years and time watching television or other computer games, etc. to no more than 2 hours combined.
Here are some general recommendations to help you set limits with your kids.
- Set clear limits on video, computer games and other forms of media.
- Have tokens that are given for 20 to 30 minute allotments of time that can be given at the beginning of the week to control total time on media.
- Choose public television over commercial programming.
- Tape programs for children and fast-forward through commercials.
- Have a library of favorite videos or check them out from the video store.
- Look for television channels that do not run any advertising for foods or products.
- Avoid having a television or computer or gaming system in the child’s room.
- Watching television often creates unrealistic expectations in the mind of the child and creates an appetite for passive entertainment, junk food, and name-brand “must-haves.”
- Research shows that violent programs and computer games can lead to more aggressive behaviors in children. Viewing repeated acts of violence desensitizes their perception of violence. Even during family programs, commercials may show violent previews for other programs and movies. With more concerns about real-life violence in children and teens, it gives us more reason to be watchful parents about the content and time spent watching television.
- Develop television substitutes such as reading, athletics, physical conditioning, and instructive hobbies, as well as allow them time for imaginative play.
- Allow discussion with children about the intent of commercials – they do not always have the best interest of the viewers in mind and they are marketing tools to create buying habits.
Have TV-free nights or weeks (if you dare!). Have family game nights or take a family walk at the park. Mom, Dad and the kids will be healthier!
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