2 tv free days per week

[thewoodlandfairy]

PM on radio 4 tonight said that kids watch too much tv, the expert said that children under 3 should see none at all, and most ages watched too much (this is only the gist of the research) They tested the melatonin levels in big tv watching kids, then again after they had been restricted in their viewing and it had improved - sorry if this is vague, i was doing tea at the time, fending off phonecalls from kitchens direct and considering how to stop a random local cat from getting in and eating our cat's food, then spraying and clearing off!

It's now got me thinking about my dd's 5 & 3 discussed it with dd1 and we've agreed 2 tv free days per week, one on the weekend. What can i do with them / steer them towards so that i don't have to be 'with them' quite so closely, so that the jobs can still be done?

Don't think I'd ban tv outright. I'd be more likely to sit down with the TV guide and choose what will be on. That way you know it'll be quality rather than just babysitting. Also then you don't end up backtracking if they're ill etc...

sit back down with them and ask them! Explain you'll still need to get stuff done, what ideas do they have? Then write it up on a big chart and pin it up. When they come and say they're bored or start getting under your feet give them the option of helping you or choosing something off the list. It'll work a lot better if they're in control and they've chosen stuff.