Don't let summertime become tv time for kids

It's summertime and kids are out of school.     

So what are they doing to keep busy during what used to be "school time?"

Good question.  You might be surprised (or maybe not so surprised) to learn that most kids increase their television time during summertime.  The average child is watching around 4 hours of TV a day during summer.

Of course, you can replace school time with other activities like day camp, summer school or some other program.  But what if that is not an option?  

Here is why you don't want kids just sitting in front of the television:

• kids tend to mindlessly snack more
• they are getting exposed to more food advertisements (and not the healthy foods)
• may be falling behind in their reading and writing and arithmetic skills over summer
• are developing poor habits that may carry forward into the school year

Here are some strategies to help kids move away from sitting in front of the television.

• make a television schedule to limit tv to 2 hours or less a day
• make a family commitment and have everyone sign and then place it in a visible place
• avoid using tv time as a reward or a punishment
• structure some family time that involves local parks or community centers that are free
• avoid tv in the kids bedroom, it is just to easy to turn on and watch
• create a list together as a family of activities that children can do each day

Nourish Thought for the Day:  

If you are having a sweet craving, satisfy it with naturally sweet foods like strawberries, peaches or a handful of raisins.

Tools:

Limiting TV Time Chart for Kids - Printable Tracking Sheet

Limiting TV Time Healthy Goal - Printable Agreement

Chef Solus List of Fun Things To Do

These handouts provide nutrition and fitness information and tips to promote a healthy family. They are kid-friendly so parents can review them with their children!

Let’s Move: A Summertime Kid-­friendly Guide  

These handouts provide nutrition and fitness information and tips to promote a healthy family. They are kid-friendly so parents can review them with their children!

 

More Parenting Tips

No More Drama at the Grocery Store!

Grocery shopping with your child can be hectic and frustrating, especially when they beg and scream for foods you don’t approve. It’s important to purchase healthy food items when grocery shopping, because every food item you purchase impacts what you and your family will eat throughout the week. Healthy food and beverage choices are important for a good healthy growth!

Parents Guide And Tips To Reducing TV And Screen Time

Getting children to turn off the television can be an ongoing struggle for families. Here are our best strategies on "How to reduce kids TV time and promote physical activity to kids." 10 parenting steps to reducing TV tips for kids.

How Much Television Is Your Child Really Watching?

With today's hundreds of television channels, kids can easily be glued to the TV for hours. You might be wondering "just how much tv does my child actually watch?" This parenting article provides you with the recent facts about children and tv time. You may be shocked!

Benefits of Reducing Screen Time For Children

There has been a great deal of interest on the benefits on reducing screen time in children. Partly fueled by the rise in childhood obesity. We have put together factual information based on studies and reports.

Effects Of Too Much TV and Screen Time On Children and Younger Kids

How exactly does television influence children? Should you really be concerned? We have put together the latest research on the influence of television on preschoolers and elementary school aged children.

Television Advertisements And Kids Facts

How many advertisements are your children actually seeing? Food marketing is a powerful means to influence your child's eating habits. Here are some facts about the food marketing industry and how they are target your children.