How to Limit Computer Time for Children

[idreesz]

If it's not one screen, it's another, it’s TV or computer…

When you tell your child to turn off the TV, he asks to play on the computer instead. Both seem magnetic and you are hard-pressed to peel your child away from either electronic screen.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 45 minutes to 60 minutes of television programming, which includes screen time on the computer.

Limiting computer time has its own obstacles though since the computer can also be used for educational purposes and is often used for school work.

Tips to Reduce Screen Time for Children

Talk to Your Family and Children
Explain to your kids that it's important to sit less and move more in order to stay at a healthy weight. Tell them they’ll also have more energy, and it will help them develop and/or perfect new skills, such as riding a bike or shooting hoops, that could lead to more fun with friends. Tell them you’ll do the same.

Set Screen Time Limits
Create a house rule that limits screen time to two hours every day. More importantly, enforce the rule.

Watching TV can become a habit, making it easy to forget what else is out there. Give your kids ideas and/or alternatives, such as playing outside, getting a new hobby, or learning a sport.

Don't Use TV Time as Reward or Punishment
Practices like this make TV seem even more important to children.

Understand TV Ads & Placements
Seeing snack foods, candy, soda, and fast food on television affects all of us, especially kids. Help your child understand that because it’s on TV-or your favorite TV characters/actors eat or drink it-doesn’t mean a food or drink is good for you. Get your kids to think about why their favorite cartoon character is trying to get them to eat a certain brand of breakfast cereal.

[abbu8881]

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