I don't like my kids to watch TV...I just think there are so many other things in life they should be experiencing as kids. I have faith that they can use their imaginations and create something to do, and since I'm a stay at home mom (and feel so grateful to be), I take my job seriously and do my best to help them experience and learn from real life,not from the false world TV creates for them. Plus, I can't stand the background noise of children's TV all the time.
That's not to say they don't watch it, they do, but I've always tried to stick to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines of 2 hours of screen time (TV, movies, video games, computer, hand helds, etc.) or less per day. Some days are better than others (no TV) and sometimes life's circumstances (moving, work deadline) dictate a little more TV, but it's a good barometer for me.
This summer, in order to keep our TV watching in check, we came up with a way to "earn" TV that has worked really well. My kids get 30 minutes of "free" TV time. Then, if they want to watch more they can earn it by doing extra reading or workbook time. It's been great because any time they ask if they can watch TV, I can say, "Sure. Let's grab a book or open your workbook and we'll start keeping track of time." They know exactly what is required and often we end up reading or doing workbooks for a longer time than planned and have to run to our next activity and the TV never even gets turned on. Plus, no one wants to miss out on TV if the others get to watch, so everyone opens them up at the same time. The result? Hardly any TV arguments. Yeah!!!
***If you want a recommendation for a great and engaging workbook, try Brainquest. You can find it at Costco sometimes or at Barnes and Noble. Read through them and make sure they are the correct level for your child since many work a bit above or below grade level.
4 comments:
Keep posting your parenting strategies. It is fun to hear what how other parents handle situations such as TV.
Yes! Let's hang out again. Any day but Monday and Thursday for me! Tell Jace he can have Owen as much as he wants!!
You're so great! I miss you here to help me be motivated in my job as a mom! We do the same with TV - they can't watch until 3:00 in the afternoon, after jobs, activities, reading and school stuff. They usually have forgotten by then because they are too involved in what they're playing.
I am missing you here in AZ. It's like 1000 degrees...well 115! You are such a great mommy and I love hearing about you do. Thanks! I am anxously waiting to see pics of that new baby in your sis' family. Please tell her to update or send pics. Hope you are having a fun vaca. xoxo
What a fantastic idea Brooke-a-roo! I'm feel the same way, especially during the summer. I have also been looking for a good way to get some summer-academic-brush-up going on. Thanks for the tip!
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