How
To Wean A Toddler Off TV
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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