He doesn't seem to understand that he can't watch Thomas the Tank Engine and the Teletubbies all day, every day. Surely 2-and-a-half is too young to become a couch potato?

Your child wants to watch TV because TV is fun. The key to healthy television viewing is to make it only a part of a range of activities that your toddler enjoys. Too much TV can stunt his imagination, affect his physical fitness and limit his social skills.

Don't pick a fight over the video
You can't negotiate with a toddler, so don't try rationing the TV. Don't make a fuss or pick a fight when he puts the video on, or he'll do it again to gain attention. If your toddler puts the video on, then walks away to play, don't be too harsh. How often do you have the radio playing while you do something else? Perhaps he likes the music. Put on the CD or cassette player for him instead.

Set a good example and limit how much TV you and your other children watch. Don't let the family eat in front of the TV and try to make viewing a family group activity. If older children are watching TV and he wants to watch 'Thomas the Tank Engine', be firm. Say 'no' and explain why. Distract him or take him into another room.

Your toddler may be watching TV because he's bored. Find a distraction, and then turn the TV off. Don't leave it playing in the background while you do something else.

This is a 'non-problem'
If it's not there, it's not an issue. It's the same as your toddler eating too many sweets - the answer is to stop buying them. Unplug the TV! Alternatively, you can try moving the TV out of the family room or putting the video on a high shelf. Taking the fuses out works as a desperate measure but it will soon drive everybody else round the bend. If the television doesn't work your toddler will move on to something else.

Check that your nanny, au pair or childminder doesn't let your toddler watch videos all day.

Don't ban TV altogether
Your toddler loves television, so use it to your advantage. Your toddler can learn a huge amount from television and it can spark his imagination. Watch the video together and talk about what you are watching. It doesn't have to be a diet of nature and educational shows - use the programmes that he likes to introduce ideas. Use the experience as a learning exercise.

Don't let him watch TV for more than half an hour at a stretch. When the programme has finished, turn the television off and immediately offer a distraction.

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