Help Your Child Plan a Healthy Television "Diet"

The American Academy of Pediatrics says the average child watches three hours of TV a day, and that’s too much.

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Many kids need to go on a TV diet. Here’s how:

Watch how much your child "eats." Make sure he’s watching no more than one or two hours a day of quality shows. Remember that you can rent or tape programming instead of watching it live.
Check the "ingredients." Shows that contain violence are linked to aggressive behavior. You may not be able to watch a show before your child does, but you can read reviews and talk with teachers about what they recommend.
Avoid "snacking." Don’t let your child just "watch TV." Have him choose specific programs to watch. Encourage shows that build interest in other activities, such as hobbies or sports.
One way to support all the ideas above is to have your child write down a viewing plan for the week. You approve it and make sure he sticks to it!